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NOVEMBER  8,  1889,  1  ..40  A.  M. 


HISTOHV 


OF  THE 


SOCIETY 


OF  THE 


FliiiliS  OF  'I 


i 


ir 


OF  THE 


State  of  Montana. 
1890. 


dl!L^'  4.  ISS9. 


AUGUST  17,  1889. 


7411    10 


HISTORY 


SOCIETY 


Framers  of  the  Constitution 


State  of  Montana. 


July  4,  1889.  August  17,  1889. 


WRITTEN    AND   ARRANGED   BV 

-HENRY     KNIPFENBERG- 

Member  from  Beaverhead  County, 
Gt^endale. 


»  »  I »       * 


OFFICERS^ 


President, 
Wm.  a.  Clark, 

Butte,  Montana. 

Vice-President, 
Martin  Maginnis, 

Helena,  Montana. 

Secretary, 

Henry   Knippenberg, 

Glendale,   Montana. 

Treasurer, 
L,.  H.  Hershfield, 

Helena,  Montana. 


EXECUTIVE.    CON4N4ITTEE. 


Wm.  a.  Clark,  Chairman. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Chas.  S.  Marshall,  Martin  Maginnis, 

PARiSiGiBSON,  Geo.  W.  Stapleton.  J.  E.  Richards, 

Alfred  Myers. 


K   t   t       '    ^ 


A- 7^6 


r 


GiiEMDAL^E,  Beavarhead  Co.,  Mont.,  December  31,  1890. 

To  the  Members  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers 

of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana : 

I  have  the  honor  and  pleasure  of  presenting  you  with  the 
short  history  of  the  Society  of  the  Fkamers  of  the  Con- 
stitution OF  the  State  of  Montana. 

It  is  possible  that  the  result  of  my  weak  efforts  in  this  di- 
rection may  not  fully  meet  your  expectations  ;  if  so,  rest  as- 
sured that  I  have  done  the   very  best  I  could.     The    work   has 

^   been    no    light    task,    but    my    high    esteem    and    love  for  each 

>- 

5   member  of  the  Society  has  enabled  me  to  persevere  in  its  com- 

oo 

—i   pletion,  and  fully  paid  me  for  the  labor  required. 

^  Accept    for    yourself    my    well    wishes    for    long  life,  health, 

happiness  and  prosperity.      God    bless    Montana    and    her    good 
people. 

I  remain  your  friend, 

Heney  Knippenberg. 

P.  S. — I  have  given  each  member  a  full  page,  leaving  one- 
half  blank   for  future  memorandums. 


CO 


C9 


2908B,*5 


WESX. 


BB 

1 

Sam  Alexander 
Ser.  at  Arms 

Lo 

Y. 

Hammond 

Joyes 

A.  J.  Burns 

Stapleton 

Bullard 

Breen 

Gaylord 

J.  R.  Toole 

Whitehill 

Cardwell 

J.  K.  Toole 

Eaton 

Joy 

Kennedy 

Mayger 

Gillette 

Hatch 

Marion 

Winston 

Kohrs 

Warren 

Dixon 

Durfee 

Reek 

Braze  Iton 

Ramsdell 

Bickford 

Watson 

Hobson 

Knowles 

Sargeant 

Aiken 

Courtney 

Middleton 

Cooper 

Haskell 

Goddard 

Rotwitt 

Kanouse 

Witter 
Knippenberg 

Hartmau 

Mitchell 

Loud 

Burleigh 

Myers 

Craven 

A.  F.  Burns 

Cauby 

Graves 

Dyer 

Schmidt 

Hogan 

Conrad 

Browne 

Gibson 

Webster 

Luce 

Muth 

Magiunis 

Hershfield 

Ed.  Burns 

Marshall 

Robinson 

Rickards 

Collins 

Barberry 

Chessman 

Carpenter 

Journal 

McJ 

i.d 

ow 

Hickman 

Field 

Herald 

CO 

Independent 

Stenographer's 
Table 

Wm.  H.  Todd, 
Chief  Clerk. 

Buford 

Calloway 

Correspond 'nts 

Hon.  Wm.  A.  Clark, 

nf  Silver  Tlr>w 

Presi 

dent. 

•JLSVCH 


The  Members  Located. 

Diagram  Showing  the  Manner  in  Which  the  Delegates  to  the 

Constitutional  Convention  Were  Seated 

While  in  Session. 


HISTORY 


Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution 


State  ok  tvIontana. 


August  17,  1889,  being  the  last  day  of  the  Constitutional  Con- 
vention of  the  State  of  Montana,  Henry  Knippenberg,  a  member 
from  Beaverhead  county,  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  this  Constitutional  Convention  is  hereby 
requested  to  appoint  a  committee  of  seven  (7),  the  President  himself  to  be 
the  chairman  of  such  committee,  which  shall  prepare  plans  and  By-Laws 
by  which  all  the  members  and  employes  of  this  Convention  shall  form 
a  permanent  organization,  and  meet  socially  at  least  once  a  year,  so  that 
the  happy  and  agreeable  relationships  here  formed  may  endure,  and  even 
strengthen,  in  the  years  to  come.  This  committee  shall  be  known  as  the 
"  Executive  Committee,"  and  shall  have  full  power  to  elect  the  proper  oflS- 
cers  for  the  first  year,  or  until  the  first  annual  meeting  of  the  proposed 
organization. 

This  resolution  was  promptly,  unanimously,  and  cordially 
adopted  by  all  the  members  present. 

The  President  appointed  the  following  as  the  "Executive  Committee," 
in  accordance  with  the  above  resolution : 

H.  Knippenberg,  Chas.  S.  Marshall,  Martin  Maginnis, 

Paris  Gibson,  Geo.  W.  Stafleton,  J.  E.  Rickards, 

Alfred  Myers. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


December  7,  1889,  the  author  of  the  resoiatiou,  looking  toward 
the  social  organization  of  the  Society,  mailed  to  each  member  of 
the  Convention  the  following  circular  letter : 

(social) 
PERMANENT  ORGANIZATION 

OF    THE    MEMBERS    OF     THE 
CONSTITDTIONAL    CONVENTION    OF    MoNTANA. 

July  4,  1889— Aug.    17,  1889. 

Glendale,  Beaverhead  Co.,  Mont.,  November  7,  1889. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

Our  work  having  now  been  adopted  by  the  people  of  Montana,  I  enclose 
you  herewith  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Convention.  The 
Pi-esident  (Hon.  Wm.  A.  Clark)  will  doubtless  sooq  call  a  meeting  of  the 
"Executive  Committee"  to  perfect  a  permanent  organization.  In  the 
meantime,  at  my  own  expense,  I  have  assumed  the  responsibility  to  gather 
such  facts  as  will  at  least  furnish  material  for  the  foundation  or  ground- 
work for  this  social  structure. 

Please  promptly  fill  out  the  enclosed  blank  and  return  to  me  by  mail ; 
such  information  I  will  enter  into  a  book,  arranged  and  printed  for  that 
purpose,  which  I  will  give  to  the  organization      With  kindest  regards, 

I  remain  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg. 

In  addition  to  this  circular  letter  there  was  enclosed  a  printed 
copy  of  the  original  resolution,  also  a  slip  of  special  ruled  and 
printed  paper,  requesting  each  member  to  fill  out  the  same,  giv- 
ing briefly  the  important  events  of  his  life. 

These  were  promptly  filled  out,  and  are  now  given  in  full,  ex- 
actly as  written  by  each  member,  the  original  being  in  the  hands 
of  the  Secretary  on  file  : 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA 


EDWARD  D.  AIKEN. 


Town — Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Foundry  man . 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  28,  1864. 

Date  of  Birth— July  6,  1838. 

Town  Born — Grafton. 

County — Windham. 

State — Vermont. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — Irish  parents. 


8  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


PETER  BREEN. 


Town — Wickes. 

County — Jefferson. 

Business — Laborer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — April,   1884. 

Date  of  Birth— October  5,  1860. 

Town  Born — Near  Olatha. 

County — Johnson. 

State — Kansas. 

Country — United  States  of  America.  ,   j 

Nationality — Irish  parents. 

I  came  west  to  Colorado  in  the  fall  of  1881,  and  since  then 
have  been  employed  in  mining  and  smelting  in  different  sections 
in  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Yours  truly,  • 

Peter  Breen. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA. 


ED.   BURNS. 


Towu — Elliston. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  13,  1884. 

Date  of  Birth— June  8,  1855. 

Town  Born — Rochester. 

State— New  York. 

A  long  and  prosperous  life  to  the  organization,  and  to  each  and 
every  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention. 


10  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


WALTER   A.   BURLEIGH. 


Town — Miles  City. 

County — Caster. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in   Montana — July  10,   1879. 

Date  of  Birth— October  25,  1820. 

Town  Born — Waterville. 

County — Kennebec. 

State — Maine. 

Country — United  States  of  America. 

Nationality — American,  thank  God. 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  H 


DAVID    G.  BROWNE. 


Town — Fort  Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Government  Contractor. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived    in    Montana — March,  1878. 

Arrived  in  America — February,  1876. 

Date  of  Birth — January  16,  1859. 

Town  Born— Miller  Hill. 

County — Down . 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish . 


12  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


WALTER  MANSUR  BICKFORD. 


Town — Missoula. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in    Montana — June  17,  1884. 

Date  of  Birth— February  25,  1852. 

Town  Born — Newburgh. 

County — Penobscot. 

State — Maine. 

Country — United    States,  with  a  big  U. 

There  is  nothing  special  in  my  case.  Just  the  common, 
ordinary,  every-day  way.  Am  in  with  you  on  the  plan  of 
organization. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  13 


J.  T.  BRAZELTON. 


Town — Deer  Lodge. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — County  Clerk. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March  3,  1884. 

Date  of  Birth— May  19,  1858. 

Town  Born — New  Market. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Tennesssee. 


Success  in  the  undertaking 


r>' 


Brazelton. 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


S.  R.  BUFORD. 


Towu — Virginia  City. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September  5,  1865. 

Date  of  Birth— March  2,  1846. 

Town  Born — Canton. 

County  — Lewis. 

State — Missouri . 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  15 


WILLIAM   MASON   BULLARD. 


Town — Pony. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Physician  and  Surgeon. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — April  11,  188U. 

Date  of  Birth— April  23,  1853. 

Town  Born — Indianapolis. 

County — Marion. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — United  States. 

Prior  to  reaching  Montana,  was  Professor  of  Chemistry  and 
Toxicology  in  Indiana  Medical  College ;  came  to  Montana  to  ac- 
cept position  as  physician  and  surgeon  to  the  Alta  Montana  Co.,  at 
Wickes ;  afterwards,  the  Helena  and  liivingston  Smelting  and 
Refining  Co. ;  at  present,  the  Pony  Gold  Mining  Co. 


16  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


ANDREW  J.  BURNS. 


Town — Marysville. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Mining  Superintendent. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  9,  1881. 

Date  of  Birth— May  5,  1828. 

Town  Born — Congress  township. 

Countv — Wavne. 

State — Ohio. 

Nationality — Scotch-Irish. 

My  father  was  a  Lieutenant  in  the  16th  Regiment,  U.  S.  In- 
fantry, during  the  war  of  1812.  I  received  a  good  common  school 
education,  having  for  school-mates  General  Stanley  and  Wm.  B. 
Allison  ;  followed  farming,  stock  and  produce  buying  in  Ohio ; 
went  to  California  in  1860,  and  have  followed  mining  ever  since. 

Yours  respectfully, 

A.  J.  Burns. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  17 


ALEXANDER  F.  BURNS. 


Town — East  Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Farmer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — October  4,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— December  7,  1832. 

Town  Born — Liberty. 

County — Clay. 

State — Missouri. 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


WALTER  COOPER. 


Town — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin,  Montana. 

Business — Mines  and  Real  Estate. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — February  9, 1864. 

Date  of  Birth— July  4,  1843. 

Town  Born — Stirling. 

County — Cayuga. 

State — New  York. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  19 


TIMOTHY  E.  COLLINS. 


Town — Great  Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Banker. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — November,  1864. 

Arrived  in  America — 1850. 

Date  of  Birth— November  25,  1843. 

County — Cork. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish. 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


WILLIAM  ANDREWS    CLARK. 


Town — Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Banker,  also  mining  and  reduction  of  ores. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana,  July  3,  1863. 

Date  of  Birth— January  8,  1839. 

Town  Born — Near  Connellsville. 

County — Fayette. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

I  located  first  in  Beaver  Head  county,  at  Colorado  Gulch, 
on  Horse  Prairie  Creek,  where  I  mined  in  1863,  and  also  in 
1864.  Spring  of  1865  I  went  to  Blackfoot,  in  1866  to  Elk 
Creek,  in  which  places  I  sold  goods.  In  1867  and  1868,  I  had 
a  mail  contract  from  Missoula  to  Walla  Walla,  and  lived  most 
of  the  time  at  Helena.  I  was  married  to  Kate  L.  Stauffer, 
at  Connellsville,  Pa.,  on  March  17,  1869,  aiid  went  into  the 
wholesale  grocery  trade  at  Helena,  in  that  year,  with  Mr.  R.  W. 
Donnell.  In  1870  we  moved  to  Deer  Lodge,  and  in  that  year 
*we  opened  a  bank  there,  which  continues  to-day.  I  bought 
mines  at  Butte  in  1872,  and  have  been  operating  here  ever 
since.  In  '77  I  opened  a  bank  here  which  continues  to-day. 
Have  five  children  living  and  two  dead.  My  oldest  boy,  Charles, 
is  now  in  the  '93  class  of  Yale  College. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  21 


CHARLES  E.  CONRAD. 


Town — Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Banking  and    merchandising. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in   Montana — June  30,   1868. 

Date  of  Birth— May   20,  1S50. 

County — Warren, 

State — Virginia. 


22  HlSrORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


MILTON    CAUBY. 


Town — East  Helena. 
County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Hotel-keeper  and    prospector. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — February  5,   1885. 

Date  of  Birth — January  1,  1838. 

Town  Born — Virginia. 

Count — Cass. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — U.  S.  A. 

Enlisted  in  army  February  3,  1862 ;  mustered  out  March 
13,  1865,  Putnam  county.  Mo.  Was  elected  Clerk  Circuit 
Court  of  said  county,  1867,  and  served  in  that  capacity  eight 
years.     If  you  desire  further  information,  write. 

Respectfully,  etc.,  M.  Cauby. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONS'l  ITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  23 


WILLIAM  ALLEN  CHESSMAN. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clai'ke. 

Business — Capitalist. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — April  20,  1865. 

Date  of  Birth— August  19,  1830. 

Town  Born — Weymouth. 

County — Norfolk. 

State — Massachusetts.  ' 

Went  to  California  in  1849 ;  followed  mining  during  my  res- 
idence there;  started  for  Montana  in  March,  1865;  am  a  life 
member  of  the  Society  of  California  Pioneers  ;  was  first  elected 
member  of  the  Montana  Legislature  in  1873  ;  have  served  in  three 
sessions  of  the  House  and  two  of  Council  since ;  was  married  to 
Miss  Penelope  V.  Newhall,  of  Galena,  Illinois,  Feb.  4,  1875; 
have  two  children  living. 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF    THE 


B.  PLATT  CARPENTER. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Jan.  5,  1885. 

Date  of  Birth— May  14,  1837. 

Town  Born — Stanford. 

County — Dutchess. 

State — New  York. 

Country— U.    S.  A. 

Nationality — American. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  25 


ARTHUR  J.  CRAVEN. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Aug.  7,  1884. 

Date  of  Birth— Dec.  12,  1857. 

Town  Born — Lancaster. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — U.  S. 

Nationality — American. 

Graduated  in  collegiate  department  of  the  State  University 
of  Iowa  with  class  of  1882. 

Parents  removed  from  Indiana  to  Iowa  when  I  was  very 
young.     Raised  and  educated  in  Iowa. 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


EDWARD  CARDWELL. 


County — Jefferson. 

Business — Stock  Growing  and  Farming. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — 1863. 

Arrived  in  America — 1848. 

Date  of  Birth— 1832. 

Town  Born — Glenavey. 

County — Antrim. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Ireland. 

Mr.  Knippenberg,  I  should  have  written  you  sooner,  but  I 
have  been  away  from  home  so  much  this  summer.  Your  resolu- 
tion was  very  appropriate,  and  I  am  sure  our  social  meetings  in 
the  years  to  come  will  be  as  happy  and  agreeable  as  our  days  spent 
in  the  Convention  were  pleasant  and  harmonious. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  27 


JAMES  E.  CALLAWAY. 


Town — Virginia. 

County — Madison . 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Radical  Republican. 

Arrived  in   Montana — March,  1871. 

Date  of  Birth— July  7,  1835. 

Town  Born — In  the  "  Backwoods." 

County — Trigg. 

State — Kentucky. 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


THOMAS  F.  COURTNEY. 


Town — Butte  Citv. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Grocer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July  16,  1880. 

Date  of  Birth— April  4,  1856. 

Town  Born — Minersville. 

County — Schuylkill. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Was  educated  in  the  common  sch  )ols  of  Schuylkill  and  Dauphin 
counties,  Pa.  After  coming  to  the  Territory,  worked  for  two 
years  in  the  mines,  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business. 

A  member  of  the  first  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Montana. 


FRAMERS    OF   THE   CONSTrXUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  29 


WILLIAM  W.  DIXON. 


Town— Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — May  15,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— June  3,  1838. 

Town  Born — Brooklyn. 

State — New  York. 

Country — United  States. 

Nationality — American. 

Best  wishes  for  success  of  organization. 


Yours, 

W.  W.  Dixon. 


30  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


DAVID  M.  DURFEE. 


Town — Philipsburg. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March  12,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— July  22,  1855. 

Town  Born — Duanesburgh. 

County — Schenectady. 

State — New  York. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  31 


WILLIAM   DYER. 


Town — Butte. 

County — Silver    Bow. 

Business — Miner. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March  16,  1878. 

Arrived  in  America — July  8,  1873. 

Date  of  Birth— February  28,  1853. 

Town  Born — St.  Anstell. 

County — Cornwall. 
Country — England. 

Nationality — English. 

Wishing  you    every  success    in    making  a  permanent  organi- 
zation.    From  yours.  Respectfully, 

Wm.  Dyer. 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


GEORGE    O.  EATON. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and    Clarke, 

Business — Miner.  ' 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — May  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— May  14,  1848. 

Town  Born — Warren. 

County — Knox. 

State — Maine. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  33 


WILLIAM   T.  FIELD. 


Town — Livingston. 
County — Park  county. 
Business — Locomotive  engineer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September  22,  1882. 

Bate  of  Birth— August  13,  1859. 

Town  Born — Joliet. 

County— Will. 

State — Illinois. 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


WARREN    C.   GILLETTE. 


Town — Dearborn . 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Wool  Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September,   1862. 

Date  of  Birth— March  10,  1832. 

Town  Born — Orleans. 

County — Ontario . 

State — New  York. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  35 


FIELDING    L.  GRAVES. 


Towu — Bannack. 

County — Beaver  Head. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in   Montana — June  22,  1865, 

Date  of  Birth— July  19,  1833. 

County — Fayette. 

State — Kentucky. 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


O.  F.  GODDARD. 


Town — Billings. 

County — Yellowstone. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican  (black). 

Arrived  in  Montana — March  16,  1883. 

Date  of  Birth— January  20,  1853. 

Town  Born — Near  Troy. 

County — Davis. 

State — Iowa. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American . 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  37 


J.  E.  GAYLORD. 


Town — Butte. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics—"  A." 

Arrived  in  Montana — February  15,  1883. 

Date  of  Birth — January  14,  1844. 

Town  Born — Liberty. 

County — Sullivan. 

State — New  York. 

Country— U.  S.  A. 

Nationality — American.     "  B." 

"A."  Democratic;  but  I  do  not  call  myself  a  rabid  party- 
man.  I  vote,  especially  in  local  matters,  for  those  1  consider  the 
best  men  in  all  respects. 

"  B."  My  ancestors  were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Connecti- 
cut, in  now  towns  of  Waterbury,  Bristol,  Wallingford  and  Mid- 
dlebury.  Father  and  mother  were  born  in  Connecticut.  I  call 
myself  a  Connecticut  Yankee. 


290883 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


PARIS  GIBSON. 


Town — Great  Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Real  Estate. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March,  1879. 

Date  of  Birth— July  1,  1830. 

Town  Born — Brownlield. 

County — Oxford. 

State— Maine. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  39 


LEWIS  H.  HERSHFIELD. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Banker. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July   1,  1864. 

Date  of  Birth— August  12,  1837. 

Town  Born — Utica. 

County — Oneida. 

State — New  York. 

Country — United  States. 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


CHAS.  S.  HARTMAN. 


Town — Bozeman . 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — January,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— March  1,  1861. 

Town  Born — Monticello. 

County — White. 

State — Indiana. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  41 


HENRI   J.   HASKELL. 


Town — Glendive. 

County — Dawson. 

Business — Attorney  at  Law. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  24,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— July  20,  1843. 

Town  Born — Palmyra. 

County — Somerset. 

State — Maine. 

Country — U.  S. 

Never  knew  of  any  except  after  adjournment. 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


LUKE  D.   HATCH. 


Town — Stevensville. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Post  Master  and  Miner. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  20,  1876. 

Had  been  in  the  Territory  before. 

Date  of  Birth— October  3,  1844. 

Town  Born — Mason  ToAvnship. 

County — Cass. 

State — Michigan.  ^ 

Served  four  years  in  the  army,  during  late  civil  war,  have  four 
honorable  wounds  to  show  for  the  same ;  and  I  wish  success  to  the 
permanent  organization  of  the  members  of  the  late  Constitutional 
Convention,  and  may  the  work  enacted  by  them  and  adopted 
by  the  people  ever  be  their  pride  and  guide. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  48 


JOSEPH    HOGAN. 


Town — Walkerville. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Miner. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  20,  1883. 

Date  of  Birth— November  24,  1862. 

Town  Born— Sweet  Chalybeate  Springs. 

County — Alleghany. 

State — Virginia. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — Irish  parents. 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF    THIi 


S.  S.  HOBSON. 


Town — Utica. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Stock  Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March,  1880. 

Date  of  Birth— April  29,  1839. 

Town  Born — Buxton. 
Co  u  n  ty — Yo  rk . 

State — Maine. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  4o 


ROBT.  E.  HAMMOND. 


Town — Elkhorn. 

County — Jefferson, 

Business — School  Teacher. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived  in  Montana — July  1,  1887. 

Date  of  Birth— September  17,  1859. 

Town  Born — Ashland. 

County — Greenup. 

State —  Kentucky. 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


RICHARD  OWEN  HICKMAN, 


Town — Virginia  City.  j 


r 


County — Madison. 

Business — Merchant  and  Miner. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July  7,  1864.  \ 

Date  of  Birth— November  1,  1831. 

Town  Born — Shelbyville. 

County — Shelby. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country — U.  S.  A. 

October  2,  1889,  elected  State  Treasurer,  and  removed  to 
Helena,  Mont.,  November  17,  1889;  residence,  No.  527  North 
Rodney  street. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  47 


ALLAN    R.  JOY. 


Town — Livingston. 

County — Park. 

Business — Attorney  at    Law. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June   10,  1883. 

Date  of  Birth— June   15,  1857. 

Town  Born — Ellsworth. 

County — Hancock. 

State — Maine. 

Nationality — Full-blooded  Yankee. 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


THOMAS  JOYES. 


Town — Bowlder. 

County — Jeflfersou. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Helena,  June  3,  1885. 

Date  of  Birth— February  14,  1858. 

Town  Born — Louisville. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country — United  States  of  America. 

Nationality — American. 

Received  early  education  in  Louisville,  Ky. ;  graduated  at 
Hampden  Sidney  College,  Va.,  1877  ;  studied  law  at  University  of 
Va.,  1878-79,  and  graduated  with  first  honor  at  Louisville  Law 
School  in  1881 ;  practiced  law  in  Louisville  till  removal  to  Helena; 
moved  to  Boulder,  fall  1886 ;  elected  County  Atty.  Jeff.  Co.  in 
1886  ;  served  two  years  ;  renominated  in  1888  ;  defeated  ;  elected 
from  nth  Dist.,  1889,  to  Cons.  Convention;  nominated  1889  for 
Judge  5th  Jud.  Dist.  by  Democratic  convention,  and  defeated  by 
T.  J.  Galbraith. 


FRAMERS   OF    THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATB  OF    MONTANA.  49 


CONRAD  KOHRS. 


Town — Deer  Lodge. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Farmer  and  Stock  Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July,  1862. 

Arrived  in  America — 1852. 

Date  of  Birth—August  5,  1835. 

Town  Born — Wevelsfeth. 

County — Wilster  March. 

State — Holstein. 

Country — Then  Denmark  now  Prussia. 

Nationality — Germany. 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


HIRAM  KNOWLES. 


Town— Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  1,  1866. 

Became  a  permanent  resident  August  15,  1868. 

Date  of  Birth — January  18,  1834. 

Town  Born — Hampden. 

County — Penobscot. 

State — Maine. 

Nationality — American. 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  51 


WILLIAM  J.  KENNEDY. 


Town — Victor. 
County — Missoula. 
Business — Clerk  Supreme  Court. 
Politics — Republican. 
Arrived  in  Montana — April  30,  1880. 
.   Arrived  in  America — June  12,  1879. 
Date  of  Birth— April  11,  1851. 
Town  Born — Bowmanville. 
County — Durham. 
Country — Canada. 
Nationality — Canadian,  Irish  and  Scotch. 

My  occupation  as  printed  in  the  list  of  members  furnished  by 
the  "  Helena  Journal  "  last  July  was  that  of  a  farmer,  of  which  I 
am  justly  proud.  My  present  occupation.  Clerk  of  Supreme 
Court,  is  the  one  that  I  have  inserted,  as  you  will  see  above.  It 
makes  no  difference  to  me  which  I  am  credited  with,  as  I  believe 
either  is  honorable. 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


HENRY   KNIPPENBERG. 


Town — Glendale. 

County — Beaverhead . 

Business — Mining  and  Banking. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — April  3,  1881. 

Arrived  in  America — 1849. 

Date  of  Birth— December  27,  1843. 

Town  Born — Hamm,  near  city  of  Worms. 

County — Hesse  Darmstadt. 

State — Germany. 

NatioDality — German.  i 

I  was  left  an  orphan  when  ten  years  of  age.  In  my  youth  I 
had  neither  money  nor  time  to  go  to  school,  but  had  to  struggle  for 
a  living.     Two  things  I  have  sought  after — 

1st.     To  know  and  pay  my  full  obligation  to  God. 

2nd.     To  know  and  do  my  full  duty  to  man. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  53 


J.  E.  KANOUSE. 


Town — To  AVE  send. 

County — Meagher. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  6,  1886. 

Date  of  Birth — December  18,  1845. 

Town  Born^Woodstock. 

State — New  Jersey. 

Country — U.  S. 

Nationality — American. 

Served  3  yrs.  in    11th    Ills.  Cav.  Vols.,  War  of  the  Eebel- 
lion,  under  Robt.  G.  Ingersoll. 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


LLEWELLYN  AUGUSTUS    LUCE. 


Town — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana— March  29,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth — November  11,  1837. 

Town   Born — Readfield. 

County — Kennebec. 

State — Of  Maine. 

First  came  to  Mrmtaua  from  Washington,  D.  C,  in  August, 
1881,  as  chairman  of  a  commission  'to  treat  with  the  Crow 
Indians  for  the  right  of  way  for  the  Northern  Pac.  R.  R.  Co., 
and  became  so  well  pleased  with  the  country  that,  on  returning 
to  Washington,  I  made  immediate  preparations  to  settle  in  Mon- 
tana, which  I  consider  the  most  favored  country,  socially,  politi- 
cally and  naturally  on  earth. 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA. 


55 


CHARLES    H.   LOUD. 


Town— Miles   City. 

County — Custer. 

Businesss — Stock  Growing. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — January  28,   1880. 

Date  of  Birth— November  20,  1858. 

Town  Born — Weymouth. 

County — Norfolk, 

State — Massachusetts. 

Country— U.  S. 


56 


HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


WM.  MUTH. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and    Clarke. 

Business — Real  Estate. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana— December   3,  1873. 

Date  of  Birth— October  2,  1851. 

Town  Born — Wheeling. 

County — Ohio. 

State — Virginia. 

Never    had  any  adventure   until  I   "paired"  in  the    Con- 
stitutional Convention. 


KRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA. 


SAMUEL  L.  MITCHELL. 


Town — Chotoau, 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Stock  Raiser. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — April  1,  1865. 

Arrived  in  America — February  5, 1852. 

Date  of  Birth— July  10,  1842. 

Town  Born — Coleraine. 

County — Derry. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish . 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


CHAS.  S.  MARSHALL. 


Town — Missoula. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — La^vyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — May  15,  1888. 

Date  of  Birth— January  19,  1821. 

Town  Born — Paris. 

County — Bourbon. 

State — Kentucky . 

Country — United  States  of  America. 

Nationality — Native  born  American. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  59 


WILLIAM  MAYGER. 


Town — Marysville. 
County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 
Business — Mining  Superintendent. 
Politics — Democrat. 
Arrived  in  Montana — June,  1864. 
Date  of  Birth— November  24,  1842. 
Town  Born — St.  Louis. 
State — Misso  u  rii 

Took  passage  on  steamboat  Yellowstone,  from  St.  Louis,  April 
16,  1864,  bound  for  Virginia  City,  Idaho,  via  Fort  Benton; 
landed  on  Silver  Creek,  Montana,  July  17,  1864;  commenced 
mining,  and  have  since  followed  that  occupation. 


60 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


ALFRED  MYERS. 


TowD — Billings. 

County — Yellowstone. 

Business— Stock  Grower. 

Politics — Democrat, 

Arrived  in  Montana — September  2,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— January  10,  1840. 

Town  Born — Macomb. 

County — McDonougb. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American. 

Friend  Knippenberg— A  trifle  late,  but  hope  I  am  not  shut  out. 
Long  live  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana. 

Myers. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  61 


C.   R.  MIDDLETON. 


Town — Miles  Citv. 

Couiity — Custer. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July  4,   1884. 

Date  of  Birth — January  31,  1853. 

Town  Born — Afton. 

County — Washington. 

State — Minnesota. 

Nationality — Parents,  Scotch-Irish. 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


JOSEPH  E.   MARION, 


Town — Freuclitown. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June,  1861. 

Arrived  in  St.  Louis — September,  1860. 

Date  of  Birth— June  1,  1842. 

To^vn  Born — Contrecveur. 

County — Verchires. 

State — Province  of  Quebec. 

Country — Canada. 

Nationality — French. 

Weeks  may  pass,  and  years  may  end,  yet  you  \vill  find  me  a 
friend.  Shake ! 

Marion. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  HH 


MARTIN  MAGINNIS. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— October  27,  1841. 

Town  Born — Walworth. 

County — Wayne. 

State — New  York. 

Nationality — Of  Irish  descent. 

Educated  at  Hamlinc  University ;  served  in  Union  Army  four 
and  one-half  years;  in  Congress  twelve  years;  founded  the  Rocky 
Mountain  Gazette. 


64 


HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


PERRY  W.  McADOW. 


Town — Maideu. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Quartz  Mining. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July  10,^1861. 

Date  of  Birth— July  28,  1838. 

Town  Born — Maysville. 

County — Mason. 

State — Kentucky. 

When  I  arrived  in  this  country  it  was  then  known  as  Wash- 
ington ;  the  next  year  Idaho  was  formed,  and  afterwards,  Montana. 


KRAMERS    OF    THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  65 


WM.  PARBERRY. 


Town — White  Sulphur  Springs. 

County — Meagher. 

Business — Physician. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  7,  1865. 

Date  of  Birth— March  12,  1833. 

County — Bourbon . 

State — Kentucky. 

Country— U.  S. 

Nationality — Scotch  descent. 

Was  married  in  1872  to  Miss  Matilda  Hampton,  of  Leightoii, 
Alabama  ;  liave  no  children. 


(i6  HISTORY    OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


JOHN  CLARK  ROBINSON. 


Town — Deer  Lodge. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — May,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— March  9,  1834. 

Town  Born — Near  Palmyra. 

County — Marion. 

State — Missouri. 

Country — U.  S.  A. 

Nationality — American,  emphatically. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    COvsriTUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  67 


WILLIAM  R.  RAMSDELL. 


Town — Egan. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Mercantile  and  Cattle  Raising. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — 1881. 

Date  of  Birth— June  7,  1860. 

Town  Born — Mantorville. 

County — Lodge. 

State — Minnesota. 

Nationality — English  extraction. 


68  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


LOUIS  ROTWITT. 


Town — White  Sulphur  Springs. 
County — Meagher. 
Business — Mining. 
Politics — Republican. 
Arrived  in  Montana — May  31,  1866. 
Arrived  in  America — April  23,  1857. 
Date  of  Birth— July  23,  1838. 
Town  Born — Hochheim-on-the-Main. 
State — Duchy  of  Nassau. 
Country — Germany. 
Nationality — German. 

From  1866  to  1879,  engaged  in  merchandising  and  mining; 
member  of  the  9th  and  10th  Legislative  Assembly,  from  Meagher 
county;  from  1880  to  1889,  County  Clerk  and  Recorder  of  Mea- 
gher county  ;  elected  to  Const.  Convention  from  Meagher  county  ; 
October  1,  1889,  elected  Secretary  of  State  of  Montana,  and  resid- 
ing at  Helena  since  October  9,  1889;  served  in  Fremont's  body 
guard  (.luring  the  war;  member  of  the  Grand  Army. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  69 


G.  J.  REEK. 


Town — Granite. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — School  Teacher. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September,   1887. 

Date  of  Birth— March  17,  1856. 

Town  Born — Linn. 

County — Walworth. 

State — Wisconsin . 


70  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


JOHN  EZRA  RICKARDS. 


Town— Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Boav. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — October,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— July  23,  1848. 

Town  Born — Delaware  City. 

County — New  Castle. 

State — Delaware. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF   MONTANA.  71 


FRANCIS  E.  SARGEANT. 


Town — Butte  City. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Mining  Secretary. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August,  1865. 

Date  of  Birth— August  2,  1841. 

Town  Born — Peacham. 

County — Caledonia. 

State — Vermont. 


72  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


GEORGE  W.  STAPLETON. 


Town — Butte  City. 

Couuty — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Attorney  at  Law. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July,  1862. 

Date  of  Birth— November  28,  1834. 

Town  Born — Knightstown. 

County — Rush. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MON'IANA.  78 


LEOPOLD  FRED  SCHMIDT 


Town — Butte. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Brewer. 

Politics — Independent. 

Arrived  in  Montana— May  28,  1870. 

Arrived  in  America — March  11,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth — January  23,  1846. 

Town  Born — Dornassenheim. 

County — Oberhesseu . 

Country — Germany. 

Nationality — German. 


74  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


JOSEPH  K.  TOOLE. 


Town — Helena. 

Connty — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Mav,  1869. 

Date  of  Birth— May  12,  1851. 

Town   Born — Savannah. 

Coun  ty — An  drew. 

State — Missouri. 

Country — U.  S. 

Nationality — American. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA. 


75 


JOHN  R.  TOOLK. 


Town — Anaconda. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — December  21,  1884. 

Date  of  Birth— July  3,  1850 

Town  Born — Weston. 

County — Arroostook. 

State — Maine. 


76  HISTORY    OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


CHAS.  M.  WEBSTER. 


Town — Great  Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Sec'y  Great  Falls  Water  Power  and 

Townsite  Company. 
Politics — Republican. 
Arrived  in  Montana— April  20,  1886. 
Date  of  Birth— April  12,  1858. 
Town  Born — Zurabrota. 
County — Goodhue. 
State — Minnesota. 
Country — U.  S. 

Widower. 


I 


KRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  77 


WILLIAM  H.  WATSON. 


Town — Lewistown. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Retired. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  1,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— August  31,  1822. 

Town  Born — Geneva. 

Co  unty — Ontario . 

State — New  York. 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


GEORGE  B.  WINSTON. 


Town — Anaconda. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana— May  23,  1883. 

Date  of  Birth— October  9,  1861. 

Town  Born — Jefferson  City. 

County — Cole  county. 

State^Missouri, 

Country — America  (U.  S.). 

Nationality — American. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA. 


CHARLES  S.  WARREN. 


Town — Butte. 

County — Silver  Bow. 

Business — Mining  Operator. 

Politics — Stalwart  Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  20,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— November  20,  1847. 

Town  Born — Utica. 

County — La  Salle, 

State — Illinois. 

Country — United  States  of  America. 

Nationality — American-English. 

Served  in  the  Union  Army  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  to  the 
finish  ;  drove  in  a  bull  team  from  St.  Joe.,  Mo.,  to  Montana ; 
landed  in  Virginia  City  broke,  and  have  held  my  own  since 
coming  to  Montana ;  followed  placer  mining  1866  to  1873,  when 
was  elected  Sheriff  of  Deer  Lodge  Co.;  married  to  Miss  Mittie 
Avery,  November  15,  1872. 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


HENRY  R.  WHITEHILL. 


Town — Deer  Lodge. 

County — Deer  Lodge. 

Business — Attorney  at  Law. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — August  15,  1881. 

Date  of  Birth— March  26,  1838. 

Town  Born — Hookstown. 

County — Beaver. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Country — U.  S. 

Nationality — American. 


KRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  81 


AARON  C.  WITTER. 


Town — Dillon. 

County — Beaverhead. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived  in  Montana — July,  1875. 

Date  of  Birth— June   13,  1849. 

Town  Born — South  Bend. 

County — St.  Joseph. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — German  descent. 


84  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


WM.  H.  TODD. 


Town — Fort  Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Journal  ist. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June  15,  1866. 

Date  of  Birth— January  12,  1843. 

Town  Born — Newcastle. 

County — Henry. 

State — Kentucky. 

Married  October  19,  1876;  one  son, 9  years  old;  removed  from 
Kentucky  to  Missouri  when  an  infant ;  was  raised  near  Kansas  City, 
at  the  county  seat  of  Jackson  county,  Mo. — Independence,  Mo. ;  en- 
listed at  commencement  of  war,  Co.  B,  2d  Mo.  Cavalry,  Confed- 
erate service ;  surrendered  with  command,  Gen.  Sterling  Price, 
June  7,  1865,  at  Shreveport,  La. 


'FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  85 


SAMUEL   ALEXANDER. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Genl.  Collector. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — January,  1874. 

Date  of  Birth— June  2,  1859. 

Town  Born — San  Francisco. 

County — San  Francisco. 

State — California. 

Country — United  States. 

Nationality — Hebrew. 


86  HISTORY    OF    TFfK    SOCIETY    OF    THK 


CHklSTOPHKK    P.  CONNCJLLY. 
Town  —  I  lfl':iia. 

t 

(Joimiy — Ii(iwiH  ari<J  CJlarkc. 
JjuHiiicHH  -Attojiicy  at  Law. 
Polif,i(!H — Dornocratif.. 
Arriv'i    id    Motit!iii;i      .liil\     '1,    1X80. 
Dill.:  ..f    I'.iiLl.   -\h.r,v.in\>v,v   2'.i,   IHC'.',. 
Town  I'(»rn    -VV;i|»|iinj^frH  FallH. 
(-'oinily       I  )iil-cli<iHH. 
Htaic  -N<'w  Yr.rl<. 
('oiintrv  -11.  H.  AiiH-rica. 


KRAMERS    OF     TlIK    CONSTITUTION,    STATK    OF    MONTANA.  S7 


H.  E.  CLOWES. 


'I'dwii — I'^ort   r>(Mil()n. 

IWisiiu'ss— Minister  (Kpisoopjiiiaii). 


86  HISTORY    OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


CHRISTOPHER  P.  CONNOLLY. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Attorney  at  Law. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Julv  6,  1886. 

Date  of  Birth— December  23,  1863. 

Town  Born — Wappingers  Falls. 

County — Dutchess. 

State — New  York. 

Country — U.  S.  America. 


KRAMERS   OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA. 


H.  E.  CLOWES. 


Town — Fort  Benton. 

Business — Minister  (Episcopalian). 


88  HISTORY    OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


JENNIE  MAE  MERRIMAN. 


Town — Gallatin.  j 

County — Gallatin. 

Born  in  Montana. 

Date  of  Birth— October  12,  1868. 

Town  Born — Jefierson  City. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Montana. 


A  Montanian  in  every  sense. 


FRAMERS    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  89 


WILLIAM  LEONARD  GREENE. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Clerk . 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Fall,  1882. 

Date  of  Birth— March  9,  1857. 

Town  Born — Chicago. 

County — Cook. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — U.  S.  A. 

Nationality — Swedish. 


90  HISTORY    OF   THE    SOCIETY    OF   THE 


EDWARD  C.  GARRETT. 


Town — Fort  Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Journalist, 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived  in  Montana — Fall  of  1877. 

Date  of  Birth— July  28,  1856. 

County — Lancaster. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Country— U.  S.  A. 

Nationality — American. 

Joint  Representative,  Choteau  and  Cascade  counties,  in  16th 
Legislative  Assembly,  Territory  of  Montana  ;  Assistant  Clerk 
Constl.  Conv.,  1889. 


FRAMERS   OF    THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  91 


GEORGE  H.  STANTON. 


Town — Great  Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Surveyor. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — October,  1887. 

Date  of  Birth— March  27,  1867. 

Town  Born — Eminence. 

County — Morgan. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — U.  S.  A. 

Nationality — Scotch  descent. 

Graduate  of  Central  Normal  College  of  Danville,  Indiana. 


32  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 


JOHN  M.  KAY. 


Town — Bozeman . 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — School  Teacher. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — June,  1868. 

Date  of  Birth— May  21,  1867. 

County — Oneida. 

State — Idaho. 


J 

i 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  93 


W.  D.  ALEXANDER. 


Town — Bozemau. 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — School  Bov. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September,  1874. 

Date  of  Birth— October  22,  1873. 

Town  Born — Shreveport. 

State — Louisiana. 

Nationality — American. 


94  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


EUGENE  DICKERSON. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — September  29,  1888. 

Date  of  Birth— April  14,  1876. 

Town  Born — Indianapolis. 

County — Marion . 

State — Indiana. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — French  extraction. 


FRAMEKS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  1)5 


MAURICE  L.  LANGHORNE. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Page. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Date  of  Birth— November  19,  1875. 

Town  Born — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin. 

State — Montana. 


96 


HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


EDW.  KERN. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clark. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived  in  Montana— May  1,  1889. 

Date  of  Birth— November  13,  1868. 

Town  Born — Miami. 

County — Carroll. 

State — Missouri . 


At  lona  College,  Grinnell,  Iowa. 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  97 


LEE  SWORDS. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — Journalism. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived  in  Montana — March  17,  1889. 

Date  of  Birth — 21  years  of  age. 

Town  Born — Vicksburg. 

County — Warren. 

State — Mississippi . 

Country — United  States. 

Nationality — American. 

Was  Page  in  the  National  House  of  Representatives  during 
the  49th  and  50th  Congresses ;  engaged  in  newspaper  business 
most  of  life ;  was  elected  clerk  in  the  Constitutional  Convention 
of  Montana,  July  4,  1889;  am  at  present  with  Helena  Journal. 


98  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


CORNELIUS  HEDGES,  JR. 


Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis  and  Clarke. 

Business — School  Boy. 

Politics — Republican. 

Date  of  Birth— March  14,  1874. 

Town  Born — Helena,  Montana. 

Nationality — American. 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  99 

Nearly  all  the  members  were  prompt  iu  responding  to  the  first 
request  and  only  a  very  few  had  to  be  reminded  of  the  work. 
Many  very  happy  letters,  full  of  enthusiastic  expressions,  were 
received,  as  the  following  will  show.  The  original  letters  are  all 
on  file. 

BcTTE  City,  Mont.,  December  17,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont: 

My  Dear  Sir — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
favor  of  December  10,  concerning  organization  of  permanent  members  of 
the  Constitutional  Convention.  I  can  only  say  the  President  made  no  mis- 
take in  appointment  of  this  committee. 

1  enclose  my  pedigree  card.  Will  you  please  send  me  a  couple  of  your 
■envelopes  ;   they  strike  my  fancy.     With  kindest  regards, 

I  remain,  yours  truly, 

Charles  S.  Warren. 

Helena,  Mont.,  December  18,  1889. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Esq.,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  am  in  receipt  of  circular  letter  of  the  7th  inst.,  and  in  com- 
pliance with  your  request  I  enclose  the  information  requested. 

Your  prompt  attention  and  public  spirited  action  in  taking  hold  of  the 
details  of  the  organization  deserve  the  thanks  of  the  members. 

Yours  truly,  Jos.  K.  Toole. 


Butte,  Mont.,  December  19,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  fill  out  and  return  the  enclosed 
blank.  I  hope  the  organization  of  members  of  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion may  prove  to  be  all  that  you  intend  and  wished  it  to  be  when  you  in- 
troduced your  resolution.  Yours  truly, 

G.  W.  Stapleton. 

Helena,  Mont.,  December  19,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg : 

Dear  Sir — Herewith  please  find  blank  kindly  sent,  with  proper  entries. 
I  trust  your  efforts  toward  a  permanent  organization  may  meet  with  success 
With  kind  regards,  I  am.  Yours  very  truly, 

Wm.  Muth. 

Butte,  Mont.,  December  19,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  have  your  circular  letter  of  the  7th  ult.,  which  has  been 
forwarded  to  Arizona,  and  delayed  somewhere,  I  presume.  I  have  been  in- 
tending to  call  the  Executive  Committee  together  at  Helena,  for  the  pur- 


100  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 

pose  of  organizing  permanently.  1  return  herein  the  blank  filled  out,  as 
you  request.  I  regard  the  formation  of  the  proposed  society  as  one  of  great 
importance,  and  that  will  redound  to  the  interest  of  the  members,  and  that 
will  secure  for  them  much  pleasure  in  the  future. 

Respectfully  yours,  W.  A.  Clark. 


Stevensville,  Mont.,  December  20,  1889. 
Henry  Knippenberg : 

Dear  Sir  and  Friend — Your  communication  with  reference  to  perma- 
nent organization  of  late  members  of  the  Convention  received,  and  with 
pleasure  I  note  the  contents.  Command  me  in  any  manner  that  I  can  be 
of  assistance  in  furthering  the  end  desired. 

With  kindest  regards  for  yourself,  I  remain, 

Your  friend, 

Luke  D.  Hatch. 

Granite,  Mont.,  December  20,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.  : 

My  Dear  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  7th  inst.  at  hand,  and  in  reply  permit 
me  to  say  that  1  am  pleased  to  know  that  you  have  made  a  beginning  in  thi& 
social  organization  that  I  think  will  meet  with  the  hearty  approval  of  every 
member  of  that  Convention.  I  trust  that  you  and  your  committee  will 
meet  with  encouragement  and  assistance,  if  necessary,  until  the  work  i& 
perfected. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  blank,  as  per  your  request. 

Respectfully  yours, 

G.  J.  Reek. 

Fort  Benton,  Mont.,  December  20,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.  : 

My  Dear  Sir — Your  esteemed  favor  of  the  7th  inst.  at  hand  and  duly 
noted. 

I  herein  enclose  blank  filled  out  as  requested. 

I  wish  the  organization  all  possible  success,  and  if  I  can  be  of  any  ser- 
vice in  helping  the  good  work  along,  please  command  me. 

Yours  very  truly, 

David  G.  Browne. 

Lewistown,  Mont.,  December  24,  1889. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Glen-iale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Your  circular  and  blank  received  just  after  my  return  from 
a  visit  to  Helena,  and  I  hasten  to  fill  out  and  return  the  blank,  with  data, 
as  requested.  Hoping  that  at  some  time  in  the  future  I  may  have  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  you  with  other  friends  of  the  past  summer,  I   remain^ 

Yours  very  truly, 

W.  H.  Watson. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,     STATE    OF    MONTANA.  101 


Great  Falls,  Mont.,  December  24,  1889. 
Hon.  II.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

r>EAR  SiR^Your  esteemed  favor  of  the  11th  was  duly  received.  1  en- 
close herewith  the  information  required,  and  vyill  express  my  thanks  as  a 
member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  for  the  interest  you  have  taken 
in  this  matter.  Yours  sincerely, 

Paris  Gibson. 


Boulder,  Mokt.,  December  25,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  enclose  blank  sent  by  you;  not  exactly  understanding  what 
the  blank  at  first  was  for,  I  filled  it,  as  you  will  see.  If  not  what  you  desired, 
then  it  can  be  cut  off.  I  hope  the  social  organization  will  be  perfected,  be- 
lieving it  will  be  an  agreeable  one. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Thomas  Jotes. 


Eg  AN,  Mont.,  December  28,  1889. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Glendah,  Mont. : 

My  Dear  Sir — HerewiOi  find  enclosed  the  blank  sent  me,  answered.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  the  successful  organization  may  be  carried  out.  Hoping  to 
meet  you  at  some  future  time  and  renew  our  pleasant  acquaintance,  I  am. 

Most  sincerely  yours, 

W.  R.  Ramsdell. 


San  Jose,  Cal.,  January  4,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Esq.,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  24th  inst.  reached  me  here.  I  am  pleased  that 
you  are  doing  the  preliminary  work  of  organization  in  so  effective  and 
thorough  a  manner. 

I  will  be  back  in  March,  when,  if  I  can  be  of  service  to  you,  please  com- 
mand me.  I  do  not  know  of  anything  to  add  to  your  suggestions  as  to  the 
scope  of  the  organization.     With  kind  regards,  I  am, 

Yours  truly, 

T.E.Collins. 


Missoula,  Mont.,  January  19,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Esq.: 

Dear  Sir — I  hope  you  will  pardon  my  delay  in  replying  to  yours  of  De- 
cember 11th  ult.  I  have  no  good  excuse  to  offer.  It  was  caused  by  mere 
neglect.  I  received  your  letter  while  engaged  in  court  and  laid  it  aside  and 
forgot  it.     Enclosed  you  will  find  particulars  asked  for. 

I  shall  certainly  be  glad  at  any  time  to  renew  the  acquaintanceships  I 
formed  last  summer  at  Helena.     They  were  without  exception  pleasant. 


102  HISTORY    OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 

Hoping  to  meet  you  before  a  great  while  in  our  capacity  as  members  of 
the  Executive  Committee,  to  form  a  permanent  organization  of  the  membera 
of  the  late  Constitutional  Convention  of  Montana,  I  am 

Respectfully  your  friend, 

C.  S.   Marshall. 


Helena,  Mont.,  January  22,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  received  your  communication  and  take  this  opportunity  of 

answering  it.     Your  letter  went  to  Boulder  instead  of  Wickes,  and  for  that 

reason  I  did  not  get  it  before.     Hoping  you  will  succeed  in  the  work  you 

have  mapped  out,  I  remain. 

Yours  truly, 

Peter  Breen. 


Dearborn,  Mont.,  March  25,  1890. 
Mr-  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Mr.  R.  0.  Hickman  handed  me  yesterday  the  blank,  which 
I  now  enclose,  filled  as  you  request.  I  beg  pardon  for  not  answering  your 
first  letter  promptly.  1  found,  when  filling  it  up,  that  I  was  at  sea  as  to- 
whether  I  was  born  in  Orleans  county  or  town, 'and,  having  laid  the  paper 
aside  until  I  could  look  into  the  matter,  it  slipped  my  mind.  I  am,  with 
high  regard, 

Yours  truly, 

W.  C.  Gillette. 


Deer  Lodge,  Mont.,  March  22,  1890. 
Mr.  H.  Knippenberg,  Olendale,  Beaverhead  County,  Mont. : 

Dear  Sir — Enclosed  you  will  find  the  blank  filled  out.  I  am  glad  that 
you  have  started  the  work  to  organize  for  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  the 
Constitutional  Convention.     Hoping  we  may  have  many  pleasant  meetings. 

Yours  truly, 

Conrad  Kohrs. 

Livingston,  Mont.,  March  27,  1890. 
My  Dear  Knippenberg — I  regret  that  your  former  correspondence  on 
this  subject  has  been  overlooked,  and  I  am  pleased  to  forward  herewith 
such  information  as  I  understand  you  to  request,  and  1  shall  be  glad  to  fur- 
nish anything  further  which  you  may  desire. 

I  am  highly  pleased  that  you  are  taking  such  a  lively  interest  in  the 
matter,  and  I  am  sure  a  very  satisfactory  organization  may  be  formed,  and 
I  beg  to  assure  you  that  1  shall  always,  whenever  possible,  be  present  at 
the  meetings. 

Wishing  you  unbounded  success  in  your  good  work,  1  beg  to  remain, 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Allan  R.  Joy. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA. 


103 


'■] 


Office  of  Clerk  of  Supreme  Court, 
Helena,  Mont. 
To  Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Esq.,  Glendah: 

Dear  Sir— You  will  please  find  enclosed  blank  filled  out  as  requested 
by  you  Hoping  that  your  committee,  in  your  effort  to  gain  the  desired 
information,  will  meet  with  the  success  which  the  merits  of  the  undertaking 
deserves,  also  that  nothing  will  intervene  to  retard  the  progress  of  our  per- 
manent organization,  with  due  appreciation  for  your  efforts  in  that  direc- 
tion, believe  me  very  truly,  Yours, 

W.  J.  Kennedy. 

Fort  Benton,  Most.,  July  9,  1890. 
!!■  Knippenberg,  Esq.,  Glendale,   Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir  and  Friend — I  am  scarcely  deserving  of  your  continued  kind- 
ness in  forwarding  your  kind  invitations  to  join  the  permanent  organization. 
However,  better  late  than  never;  so  1  send  you  the  biographical  memo- 
randum filled  out  as  you  request. 

When  your  former  letter  came  it  found  me  just  entering  a  siege  of  "  la 
grippe."  My  wife  mislaid  it,  and  the  matter  escaped  my  attention  until 
July  4th  came,  when  I  was  reminded  of  it,  and  commenced  a  search  for  the 
papers  enclosed,  but  could  not  find  them  I  was  on  the  eve  of  writing  you 
when  your  valued  communication  arrived  this  eve. 

1  sincerely  trust  that  Mr.  Myers  will  also  be  heard  from,  thus  making 
the  organization  as  complete  as  it  was  a  year  ago. 

Hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you  soon. 

Yours,  with  much  respect, 

Wm.  H.  Todd. 


Great  Falls,  Mont.,  December  30,  1889. 
Hon.  H  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir— Yours  of  recent  date  has  been  received.  I  enclose  herewith 
such  information  as  you  ask  for.  Am  glad  to  see  this  work  in  progress,  and 
hope  your  resolution  will  not  be  overlooked  by  a  single  member  of  our  con- 
vention.    1  shall  be  glad  to  render  you  any  assistance  that  may  come  within 

my  power  to  help  our  organization  along. 

Very  respectfully, 

G.  H.  Stanton. 

Great  Falls,  Mont.,  December  24,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  enclose  blank  sent  me  for  filling.  I  am  always  justly  proud 
to  answer  to  an  interrogation  as  to  the  place  of  my  nativity,  and  to  have 
been  even  so  faintly  identified  with  the  making  of  Montana's  Constitution 
is  to  myself  a  source  of  much  pleasure.  Hoping  that  the  ties  of  friendship 
and  sociability  founded  during  the  Convention  may  live  and  flourish  for 
years  to  come,  I  am.  Very  respectfully  yours, 

Jennie  M.  Merriman. 


104  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Glendalk,  Mokt.,  December  20,  1889. 
Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  Buttt,  Mont: 

My  Dear  Mr.  Clark — I  hope  you  will  not  consider  me  as  assuming  any 
authority  not  belonging  to  me,  in  what  work  I  am  doing  to  bring  about  the 
organization  of  our  Constitutional  Convention  1  have  no  personal  ambition 
in  this  matter,  except  to  see  it  a  success.  The  work  and  expense  so  far  has 
been  quite  a  task  in  connection  with  my  business  duties,  but  I  have  done  it 
cheerfully. 

I  am  now  writing  to  some  ten  (10)  of  the  leading  members  (outside  of 
the  Executive  Committee)  to  get  their  views  and  ideas  concerning  the 
Society,  so  that  when  we  meet  (Executive  Committee)  we  shall  not  only  be 
able  to  talk  over  among  ourselves,  but  can  have  the  views  of  other  leading 
members  before  us,  and  thus  organize  strong  and  co-operative. 

The  meeting  of  our  Executive  Committee  of  course  is  in  your  hands ; 
it  may  be  best  not  to  meet  until  spring,  but  do  what  you  think  wise.     I  am 
now  liable  at  any  time  to  go  East,  but  my  absence  will  do  no  harm. 
Wishing  you  a  happy  new  year, 

I  remain  kindly, 

H.  Knippesbeeg. 


Butte,  Moxt.,  December  22,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.  : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  your  esteemed  favor  of  the  20th,  and  carefully  note 
contents. 

1  am  glad  to  see  you  taking  so  much  interest  in  the  organization  of  the 
society  of  the  members  of  the  Constitutional  Convention.  I  have  talked 
with  a  number  of  the  members,  who  seemed  anxious  to  procure  the  organi- 
zation, and  manifested  considerable  interest  in  it. 

With  the  compliments  of  the  season,  and  wishing  you  a  very  happy 
and  prosperous  year,  I  remain, 

Respectfully  yours, 

W.  A.  Clark. 

P.  S. — 1  would  like  for  you  to  be  present  when  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee is  called  together,  and  if  you  do  not  go  East  soon  could  you  not  go 
to  Helena  next  week  ? 


The  following  letter  contaius  the  main  points  and  questions 
asked  of  ten  (10)  of  the  leading  members  outside  of  the  Execu- 
tive Committee : 

Glendale,  Moxt.,  December  24,  1889. 
Hon.  J.  K.  Toole,  Governor  State  of  Montana,  Helena,  Mont. : 

My  Dear  Sir — In  order  that  our  proposed  Society  of  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention  may  be  commenced  right,  and  placed  upon  a  high  plane 
from  its  very  beginning,  1  am  anxious  to  obtain  the   views   of  some   ten 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  105 


of  our  leading  members.  I  will  then  be  able,  at  the  first  meeting  of  our 
Executive  Committee,  to  make  known  the  general  desire  and  views  of  our 
membership,  of  what  our  Society  ought  to  be  and  aim  for.  I  hardly  think 
it  necessary  for  me  to  assure  you  that  in  this  matter  I  have  no  personal  am- 
bition to  satisfy,  save  to  give  my  hearty  aid,  support  and  free  labor  to  make 
the  organization  one  of  power  and  great  influence  for  good,  both  for  the 
present  and  future,  in  our  grand  State. 

Please  consider,  then,  the  following  crude  ideas  and  let  me  hear  from 
you,  adding  such  other  suggestions  of  your  own  as  may  occur  to  you : 

First.  Financially,  I  would  make  it  inexpensive,  not  burdensome,  but  an 
occasion  of  hajipiness,  social  greetings  and  enjoyment,  recreation,  and  men- 
tal improvement,  strengthening  the  cords  of  fiiendship  and  elevating  the 
public  thought  and  acts  of  the  common  people  throughout  the  State,  on  all 
public  questions,  by  our  example,  words  and  labors. 

Second.  There  shall  enter  into  our  organization  no  partizan  or  political 
spirit,  but  only  the  spirit  of  American  citizenship,  liberty,  justice  and  truth. 

Third.  Every  year  the  organization  shall  have  one  public  meeting, 
either  at  the  capital  of  the  State,  or  such  city  as  may  invite  the  Society,  for 
I  think  most  any  city  would  be  pleased  to  entertain  the  body  for  one,  two 
or  three  days.  The  Executive  Committee  may,  of  course,  meet  as  often  as 
it  may  deem  necessary. 

Fourth.  Every  year  there  shall  be  selected,  either  by  appointment  or 
lot,  say  five  of  our  members,  who  shall  have  assigned  to  them  certain  con- 
stitutional topics,  who  shall  carefully  write  an  article  on  such  topic,  on 
specified  sized  paper,  and  read  or  deliver  same  at  our  reunion,  and  after  being 
read,  the  same  shall  be  tiled  with  our  Secretary,  who  shall  have  them  bound 
and  so  preserved  These  papers  would  become  most  valuable  in  years  to 
come,  especially  so,  coming  from  the  makers  of  our  Constitution 

Fifth.  Our  By-Laws  can  be  so  made,  that  after  we  have  all  passed 
away  to  answer  no  more  the  roll  call  on  earth,  that  all  our  records  and 
papers  shall  become  the  property  of  the  State  of  Montana,  the  State  and 
the  people  we  all  love. 

Pardon  me  if  I  have  wearied  you  in  writing  at  such  length. 

Accept  my  well  wishes  for  your  administration,  and  may  God  bless  you 
and  direct  you  in  the  way  of  all  truth  and  righteousness ;  for  this,  and  this 
only,  exalteth  a  people. 

With  kindest  regards,  I  remain,  dear  sir. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


Helena,  Mont.,  December  27,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sik— I  am  just  in  receipt  of  yours  of  the  24th  inst.  Your  cir- 
cular letter  of  the  7th  inst ,  after  many  devious  turns,  also  reached  me  the 
same  mail.     I  return  the  blanks  herewith  duly  filled  in. 

As,  perhaps  you  will  remember,  I  was  unfortunate  enough  to  be  absent 
during  the  closing  hours  of  the  Convention.     I  take  this  occasion,  however, 


106  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

to  state  that  I  am  in  hearty  accord  with  the  spirit  of  the  resolution  offered 
by  you,  and  adopted  by  the  Convention  If  the  idea  can  be  carried  out, 
there  is,  apart  from  pleasure  involved,  much  good  to  be  derived  from  it. 

I  therefore  write  you  frankly,  and  while  I  may  not  agree  with  you  in 
some  of  the  details  of  the  organization,  I  trust  that  even  in  case  you  find  my 
ideas  are  worthless  you  will  believe  that  "Naught  is  set  down  in  malice  " 

If  the  organization  is  to  succeed,  it  must,  as  you  suggest,  be  inexpensive. 
I  should  suggest  the  very  smallest  limit  of  annual  dues,  and  then  let  those 
who  are  able  to  attend  the  yearly  meeting  pay  so  much  for  their  plate  at  the 
banquet  which  will  presumably  be  had.  In  other  words,  it  is  proper  now, 
as  ever,  that  "  Those  who  dance  must  pay  the  fiddler." 

Of  course  your  next  suggestion  is  sound,  that  politics  must  be  barred. 
Once  let  that  question  be  introduced  in  whatever  guise,  and  we  will  be 
"goners."  One  meeting  only  should  be  held  each  year,  preferably  at  the 
capital,  at  which  there  should  be  a  "feed." 

I  fear  that  your  aim  is  too  high  as  to  the  literary  scope  of  the  organiza- 
tion. Our  members  have  brains  enough  (I  trust  that  goes  without  saying), 
to  carry  out  your  plan  under  this  heading,  but  I  think  you  will  find  men 
too  indolent — too  lazy,  if  you  please,  to  carry  out  the  idea.  .  At  least  my  ex- 
perience has  been  disastrous  in  similar  cases. 

My  idea  in  brief  is  that  the  simpler,  more  spontaneous,  you  make  the 
yearly  meetings,  the  more  joyous  and  successful  they  will  be.  It  is  true 
that  in  this  manner  we  will  transmit  no  records  of  our  doings  at  these  meet- 
ings to  posterity,  but,  then,  posterity  is  most  likely  to  class  us  as  a  lot  of  old 
fossils,  anyhow,  and  not  care  for  anything  from  us.    With  best  wishes  always, 

Very  truly  yours, 

CrEo.  O.  Eaton. 


Butte,  Mont.,  December  28,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg : 

My  Dear  Sir — Your  very  complimentary  communication  '  concerning 
the  proposed  organization  of  members  of  the  late  Constitutional  Convention 
is  just  received.  I  have  read  your  letter  with  great  interest,  and  most 
heartily  concur  in  and  approve  the  plan  suggested  by  you  As  to  the 
details  and  plan  of  organization,  I  have  nothing  at  all  to  suggest.  Your 
letter  is  sufficient  evidence  for  me  to  know  that  you  are  fully  capable  of 
carrying  out  the  scheme  to  perfect  success  without  any  feeble  hints  from 
me,  and  so  I  am  very  willing  to  blindly  endorse  whatever  you  may  propose 
in  regard  to  the  matter. 

Yours  with  the  greatest  respect, 

H.  B.  Whitehill. 


Butte.  Mont.,  December  28,  1889. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir — I  am  pleased  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  "Christmas 
Carol,"  in  the  shape  of  your  valued  favor  of  December  24.     I  had  not  given 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  107 


the  matter  much  thought,  but  your  letter  opens  the  flood-gates  of  thought 
as  to  what  possibilities  this  organization  may  lead  to. 

I  have  read  and  re-read  your  letter,  and  as  to  the  suggestions  therein 
contained,  I  can  see  no  chance  for  improvement,  and,  if  carried  out  as 
suggested,  is  sure  of  success.  I,  therefore,  fully  approve  of  your  views,  and 
will  give  the  same  when  the  time  comes  my  unqualified  approval  and 
support. 

However,  in  this  connection  I  desire  to  say  that  if  at  any  time  I  can  be 
of  service  to  you  in  this  matter  I  am  yours  to  command.  With  the  com- 
pliments of  the  season,  and  wishing  you  many  happy  returns  of  a  blessed 
Christmas  tide,  I  remain. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Charles  S.  Warren. 


San  Francisco,  January  2,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  G/endale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  24th  ult.,  relating  to  proposed  plan  of  Con- 
stitutional Convention  organization,  was  forwarded  to  me  here. 

I  heartily  approve  all  your  suggestions,  and  nothing  occurs  to  me  now 
to  add  to  them,  except  that  it  might  be  well  to  have  the  articles  upon  con- 
stitutional topics,  referred  to  in  the  4th  clause  of  your  letter,  include  ob- 
servations as  to  the  practical  working  of  some  of  the  provisions  in  our  Con- 
stitution (particularly  those  that  are  somewhat  of  experiments)  and  also 
recommendations  as  to  amendments,  and  as  to  necessary  and  eflFective  legis- 
lation to  make  certain  constitutional  provisions  operative. 

Your  own  suggestion  is  perhaps  broad  enough  to  include  all  these 
points,  but  I  thought  it  might  be  well  to  call  your  attention  to  them. 

Your  time  and  labor  in  the  matter  will  certainly  place  the  organization 
under  many  obligations  to  you. 

If  I  can  assist  you  in  any  way,  I  shall  be  glad  to  do  so. 

I  expect  to  return  to  Montana  the  latter  part  of  this  month.  A  happy 
new  year  to  you. 

Yours, 

W.  W.  Dixon. 


Bozeman,  Mont.,  January  10,  1890. 
Mr.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir— Your  favor  of  December  24th,  regarding  proposed  organ- 
ization of  the  Constitutional  Convention  members  into  a  society  has  been 
received.  I  have  not  had  time  to  give  the  matter  any  attention  until  now, 
hence  my  delay.  It  seems  to  me  that  your  ideas  as  set  forth  in  your  letter 
to  me,  taken  as  a  whole,  are  good.  They  are  of  course  outlines  of  the  policy, 
and  would  require  nothing  but  action  on  the  part  of  the  proposed  organiza- 
tion to  put  them  in  force.  All  of  the  objects  expressed  by  yourselt  seem  to 
me  to  be  highly  commendable,  and  whenever  it  rests  within  my  power  to  be 
instrumental  in  furthering  any  of  these  purposes  you  may  feel  free  to  call 


108 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


upon  me.  I  have  not  now  the  time  to  go  further  into  the  questions  sug- 
gested by  you  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Armstrong  is  absent,  and  I  myself  having 
been  absent  for  the  past  week. 

I  had  the  pleasure  last  night  of  meeting  Leopold  F.  Schmidt  and  T.  F. 
Courtney,  of  Butte,  at  Livingston. 

Wishing  you  every  success,  I  am. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Chas.  S.  Hartmax. 

Helena,  March  25,  1890. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Knippenberg — Am  very  sorry  that  my  negligence  should 
have  caused  you  the  trouble  of  writing  to  me  a  second  time  for  the  informa- 
tion I  should  have  supplied  promptly  after  the  first  notice.  I  trust  you  will 
pardon  my  shortcomings  this  time,  and  I  will  endeavor  to  act  promptly 
hereafter. 

I  enclose  herewith  the  blank  properly  filled  out,  and  have  added  some- 
thing under  the  head  of  "  Anything  Special,"  which  you  can  make  use  of,  or 
any  part  of  it,  or  leave  it  all  out,  as  you  please.  I  hardly  know  what  you 
intended  should  be  written  under  that  head.  I  have  nothing  special  to 
oflfer  as  to  the  organization  of  the  Society,  but  leave  it  entirely  to  your  own 
sense  and  to  those  of  the  committee  who  are  working  with  you.  I  am 
heartily  in  accord  with  the  movement.  I  agree  with  you  fully  as  to  the 
usefulness  of  the  organization,  and  the  benefit  to  its  members  in  many 
ways.  I  am  sure  that  it  will  be  a  great  source  of  pleasure,  to  say  the  least, 
for  us  to  meet  at  least  once  a  year. 

Hoping  that  you  will  soon  hear  from  all  the  members  who  have  not 
reported,  I  remain,       * 

Very  truly  yours, 

Wm.  a.  Chessman. 

Glendale,  Mont.,  June  26,  1890. 
Hon.   W.  A.  Clark,  Buite,  Mont.  : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  just  returned  from  the  East.  In  regard  to  our  pro- 
posed organization,  I  am  happy  T;o  report  that  every  member  (but  one,  Mr. 
Myers)  has  responded  to  my  circulars  and  has  mailed  me  statements 
properly  filled  out. 

As  our  Chairman,  will  you  now  call  a  meeting  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, so  we  may  proceed  to  form  a  permanent  organization.  So  far  as  I 
am  concerned,  shall  be  glad  to  have  you  name  Butte  as  the  meeting  place. 

I  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  names  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  Knippenberg. 

Butte,  Mont.,  June  30,  1890. 
Mr.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  20th  received  and  contents  noted.  I  shall 
be  very  glad  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  together  within 


KRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  109 


a  few  days.  I  am  obliged  to  go  to  Jefiferson  county  some  time  during  the 
week,  and  as  the  day  is  indefinite  at  this  writing,  I  will  not  fix  the  time 
until  1  return. 

I   am  very  glad  that  you  got  the  data  you  desired  and  hope  that  Mr. 
Myers,  the  only  delinquent,  will  respond  in  due  time. 

Yours  very  respectfully, 
W.  A.  Clark. 

Butte,  Mont.,  July  5,  1890. 
Hoyi.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont  : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  the  list  of  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee, 
which  you  have  kindly  sent  me,  for  which  please  accept  my  thanks. 

I  will  advise  you  very  soon  concerning  the  meeting,  which  I  will  call  in 
a  few  days. 

Respectfully  yours, 

W.  A.  Clark. 


The  following  notice  was  mailed  to  each  member  of  the 
Executive  Committee  by  the  Chairman : 

Butte,  Mont.,  July  7,  18^0. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — In  pursuance  of  a  resolution  which  was  adopted  at  the 
meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  last  year,  at 
Helena,  at  which  an  executive  committee  was  appointed  for  the  purpose  of 
forming  a  permanent  organization,  I  beg  to  inform  you  that  I  desire  to 
have  a  meeting  of  said  Executive  Committee  on  Monday  evening,  the  14th 
inst.,  at  8  o'clock,  at  my  office  in  Butte  City. 

The  following  gentlemen  comprise  the  Committee  : 

H.  Knippenberg,  Charles  S.  Marshall, 

Martin  Maginnis,  Paris  Gibson, 

George  W.  Stapleton,  J.  E.  Rickards, 

Alfred  Myers. 
You  are  earnestly  requested  to  be  present  at  the  meeting  at  the  date 
named. 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

W.  A.  Clark, 

Chairman. 

Glendale,  Mont.,  July  10,  1890. 
Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  Chairman,  Butte,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  July  7,  1890,  to  hand.  So  far  as  I  can  now  see,  I 
will  be  present  at  the  meeting  Monday,  July  14,  1890,  8  p.  m.,  and  trust  all 
the  members  of  the  committee  will  report. 

Yours  truly. 

H.  Knippenberg. 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Great  Falls,  Mont.,  July  10,  1890. 
Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  Butte  : 

Dear  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  7th  has  been  received. 
I  am  obliged  to  leave  for  St.  Paul  this  evening,  and,  therefore,  can  not 
be  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

I  regret  that  I  am  compelled  to  be  absent,  but  you  can  be  assured  I 
shall  be  heartily  in  accord  with  the  results  of  your  deliberations. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Paris  Gibson. 


July  14,  1890,  the  Executive  Committee  met  at  Butte  City, 
Mont.,  at  8  o'clock  p.  m.,  in  the  private  office  of  Wm.  A.  Clark. 

There  were  present  Geo.  W.  Stapleton,  Wm.  A.  Clark  and 
Henry  Knippeuberg. 

After  much  general  and  informal  conversation,  these  three 
members  concluded  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  perfecting  the 
organization,  notwithstanding  the  meeting  lacked  a  quorum. 

Wm.  A.  Clark  was  requested  to  take  the  chair,  and  H.  Ivnip- 
penberg  to  act  as  Secretary. 

Geo.  W.  Stapleton  then  proposed  the  following  plan  : 

First.  Name. — Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State 
OF  Montana. 

Second.     Officers  for  the  year  ending  November  S,  1890 — 
President — Wm.    A.  Clark. 
Vice-President — M.  Maginnis. 
Secretary — H.  Knippenberg. 
Treasurer — L   H.  Hershfield. 

This  order  of  permanent  organization  was  unanimously 
adopted,  and  the  organization  declared  complete. 

The  Executive  Committee  further  agreed  that  the  Society 
should  hold  its  first  reunion  at  Helena,  Saturday,  November  8, 
1890,  12  noon,  and  hold  a  banquet  in  the  evening. 

The  President  and  Secretary  volunteered  to  prepare  a  Constitu- 
tion and  By-Laws,  and  present  the  same  to  the  Society  at  its  first 
reunion  for  their  adoption. 

A  local  or  home  committee  was  appointed  to  look  after  a  place 
for  meeting,  hall,  banquet,  etc.,  etc. : 

B.  P.  Carpenter,  Chairman,  W.  A.  Chessman, 

A.  J.  Craven,  J.  K.  Toole, 

M.  Maginnis,  L.  H.  Hershfield, 

Wm.  Muth. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  Ill 


Wm.  A.  Clark  volunteered  to  issue,  at  his  own  expense,  a  cir- 
cular to  each  member,  giving  the  full  proceedings  of  this  first 
meeting. 

The  Executive  Committee  then  arranged  that  at  our  first 
reunion,  three  addresses  should  be  delivered,  and  the  manuscripts 
filed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Society. 

G.  W.  Stapleton  and  W.  W.  Dixon  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  draw  up  papers  of  incorporation,  to  be  signed  by  the 
Executive  Committee  as  incorporators. 

The  Executive  Committee,  having  nothing  further,  adjourned. 


Gi.ENDALE,  Most.,  July  18,  1890. 
Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  Buiic,  Mont: 

My  Dear  Sir — I  enclose  a  circular  which,  perhaps,  covers  my  idea. 
Please  compare  with  yours  and  take  the  best  of  the  two. 

I  am  sorry  that  I  can  not  find  my  Indianapolis  paper  containing  Turpie's 
speech  at  the  unveiling  of  the  Hendricks  monument.  It  may  yet  be  found  ; 
if  so  will  mail  it  to  you. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


Butte,  Most.,  July  21,  IS'JO. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Ghndale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  have  your  favor  of  the  18th,  with  enclosure  as  stated, 
for  which  I  am  much  obliged.  The  memoranda  I  have  made  is  very  similar 
to  yours.     I  will  make  up  one  embracing  the  main  features  of  both. 

I  suppose  I  had  better  get  a  circular  letter  printed,  say  100  copies,  and 
send  out  to  each  one  of  the  members  and  employes. 
If  you  approve  of  this  I  will  attend  to  it. 

Respectfully  yours, 

W    A.  Clakk. 

Butte,  Most.,  August  3,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  enclose  herein  a  proof  of  the  form  which  I  dictated  for 
the  circular  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  members  and  employes  of  the  Conven- 
tion, and  desire  to  have  your  opinion  as  to  its  fitness  and  your  suggestions 
as  to  any  changes  you  would  like  to  have  made. 
Please  return  the  form,  and  oblige. 

Respectfully  yours, 

W.  A.  Clark. 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Glendale,  Moxt.,  August  5,  1890 
Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  Butte,  Mont.  : 

Dear  Sir — Your  kind  note  of  August  3d,  just  received.  The  proof  of 
circular  I  herewith  return.  1  can  suggest  no  change;  it  is  all  right  as  you 
have  it. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  Knippexberg. 


The  following  circular  letter  wa.s  mailed  to  each  member  of  the 
Constitutional  Convention  by  the  chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee. 

Butte,  Most.,  August  6,  1890 

Dear  Sir  : — Pursuant  to  a  resolution  adopted  by  the  members  of  the 
Constitutional  Convention  at  the  adjournment  of  that  body  in  1889,  looking 
to  the  organization  of  a  permanent  society  of  its  members,  a  meeting  of  the 
Executive  Committee  then  appointed  v?as  held  at  Butte  City,  July  14,  1890, 
at  8  o'clock,  p.  M.,  and  the  bociety  was  organized  under  the  name  of"  Society 
of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana  " 

The  following  officers  were  elected  for  the  first  year  ending  November 
8,  1890: 

President — W.  A   Clark,  Butte. 

Vice-President — Martin  Maginnis,  Helena. 

Secretary — H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale. 

Treasurer — L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena. 

The  first  society  meeting  or  reunion  will  take  place  at  Helena,  Mont , 
Saturday,  November  8,  1890,  at  12  o'clock  noon,  that  day  being  the  anni- 
versary of  the  admission  of  the  State  into  the  Union. 

A  local  committee  was  appointed  to  make  all  necessary  arrangements. 
This  consists  of  the  following  members  : 

B.  P   Carpenter,  Chairman.  A.  J.  Craven, 

J.  K.  Toole,  Martin  Maginnis, 

W.  A.  Chessman,  L.  H.  Hershfield, 

William  Muth. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  provide  a  place  or  hall  for  the 
meeting,  and  also  for  a  subscription  dinner  to  be  given  on  the  evening  of 
the  8th,  and  to  make  such  other  arrangements  as  may  be  deemed  expedient. 

It  was  decided  to  arrange  for  the  delivery  of  addresses,  or  the  reading 
of  papers  upon  a  few  special  subjects  of  interest  to  the  Society  at  each  an- 
nual meeting.  The  three  subjects  selected  for  the  first  meeting  are  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  The  Constitutional  Convention  and  Our  Society" By  W.  A.  Clark. 

"  The  Executive" By  Joseph  K.  Toole. 

"  The  Judiciary  "  By  W.  W.  Dixon. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  113 

A  resolution  was  adopted  authorizing  the  incorporation  of  the  Society 
and  a  committee  appointed  to  carry  it  out,  consisting  of  G.  W.  Stapleton 
and  W.  W.  Dixon,  the  present  Executive  Committee  to  be  the  incorporators. 

The  Constitution  and  By-Laws  will  be  submitted  to  the  Society  for  its 
consideration  at  the  first  meeting. 

With  fraternal  wishes  and  an  earnest  desire  that  you  be  present  at  the 
first  meeting, 

We  remain,  very  respectfully  yours, 

W.  A.  Clark,  President. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  July  15,  1890. 
Hon.  M.  Maginnis,  Helena,  Mont: 

Dear  Sir — The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Constitutional  Convention 
met  Monday  evening,  July  14th,  and  organized  "The  Society  of  the 
Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana."  At  said  meeting 
we  elected  for  the  first  year  the  following  oflScers : 

President — W.  A.  Clark,  Butte. 
Vice-President — M.  Maginnis,  Helena. 
Secretary — H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale. 
Treasurer — L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena. 

The  Society  will  hold  its  first  reunion  at  Helena,  November  8,  1890, 

noon. 

Your  frien(?, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  July  15,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Constitutional  Convention 
met  Monday  evening,  July  14th,  and  organized  "  The  Society  of  the 
Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana."  At  said  meeting 
we  elected  for  the  first  year  the  following  officers: 

President — W.  A.  Clark,  Butte. 
Vice-President — M.  Maginnis,  Helena. 
-Secretary — H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale. 
Treasurer — L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena. 

The  Society  will  hold  its  first  reunion  at  Helena,  November  8,  1890, 

noon. 

Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 


114  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Helena,  Mont.,  July  24,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg : 

Dear  Sir  and  Friend — Yours,  noticing  the  organization  of  the.  Constitu- 
tional Society,  received.  1  am-  very  much  obliged,  and  will  do  what  1  can 
to  forward  the  objects  in  view.  Your  friend, 

Martin  Maginnis. 


Helena,  Mont.,  July  26,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secy,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir — 1  beg  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  very  kind  favor, 
informing  me  of  my  election  as  an  officer  of  the  "  Society  of  the  Framers 
of  the  Constitution  of  Montana." 

1  sincerely  appreciate  the  honor  conferred,  and  trust  that  as  long  as 
kind  Providence  in  His  beneficence  grants  me  life  and  health  to  so  shape 
my  life's  conduct  towards  my  never-to-be-forgotten  fellow  members  of  Mon- 
tana's Constitutional  Convention  to  merit  their  appreciation  and  personal 
esteem.  With  assurances  of  my  sincere  respect  for  your  honored  self, 
believe  me,  Yours  truly, 

L.  H.  Hershfield. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  August  5,  1890. 
Hon.  W.  W.  Dixon,  Butte,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Friend — The  Executive  Committee  of  the  late  Constitutional 
Convention  met  July  14  and  organized  the  "  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana." 

All  the  committee  did  at  their  first  meeting  will  soon  be  made  known 
to  the  members  in  circular  shape  by  mail. 

We  assigned  to  you  the  subject,  "Our  Judiciary."  Your  address  on  this 
subject,  at  our  reunion,  November  8,  1890,  we  hope  you  will  write  out  fully 
on  regular  size  legal  cap,  as  we  wish  to  have  these  addresses  bound  and  kept 
for  years  to  come.  The  idea  of  the  committee  was  that  all  our  annual  ad- 
dresses be  upon  some  constitutional  point,  as  we  ivho  framed  it  understood  it. 
This  idea  carried  out,  will  serve,  in  years  to  come,  when  we  are  dead  and 
gone,  a  good  purpose  to  those  living. 

We  also  appointed  Messrs.  Dixon  and  Stapleton  a  committee  to  draw 
up  the  needed  papers  to  incorporate  the  Society. 

I  trust  you  are  enjoying  good  health.      With  kindest  regards, 

I  remain  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale,  Mont.,  August  5,  1800. 
Hon.  J.  K.  Toole,  Helena,  Moiit.: 

My  Dear  Friend — On  July  14,  last,  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
late  Constitutional  Convention  met  and  organized  the  Society  of  the  Fram- 
ers of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana. 


KRAMERS   OF    THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  115 

The  full  proceedings  at  our  first  meeting  will  soon  be  made  known  to  all 
our  members  by  printed  circular. 

The  subject,  "The  Executive,"  was  assigned  to  you.  Our  committee 
wishes  that  each  address  be  written  out  in  full  on  regular  size  legal  cap,  so 
it  can  be  bound  and  kept  for  the  living  when  we  framers  are  dead. 

Of  course  the  idea  is  that  the  speaker  present  such  views  as  he  had  in 
helping  to  frame  the  particular  topic  assigned  to  him  of  the  Constitution. 

Our  first  reunion  will  take  place  at  Helena,  Saturday,  November  8, 1890. 

I  trust  that  this  will  find  you  enjoying  good  health.  With  kindest  re- 
gards, I  remain  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale,  Mont.,  August  5,  1800. 
Hon.  B.  Piatt  Carpenter,  Helena,  Mont. : 

My  Dear  Sir — On  July  14,  last,  the  Executive  Committee  of  our  late 
Constitutional  Convention  met  and  organized  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of 
the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana." 

Our  first  reunion  will  take  place  at  Helena,  November  8,  1890,  noon. 

The  committee  to  look  after  the  local  arrangements,  viz.,  hall  for  meet- 
ing and  evening  banquet,  etc.,  is  as  follows: 

B.  Piatt  Carpenter,  Chairman. 
Messrs.  Craven,  Muth, 

Toole,  Maginnis, 

Chessman,  Hershfield. 

Trusting  this  will  find  you  in  good  health,         I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretari/. 

Butte  City,  Mont.,  August  10,  18',>0. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir — I  am  in  receipt  of  yours  of  the  5th  inst.,  relating  to  the 
Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana.  I  have  also  re- 
<5eived  a  circular  showing  proceedings  of  the  Executive  Committee  at  its  late 
session.  I  shall  certainly  be  present  at  the  meeting  in  Helena,  in  Novem- 
ber, if  possible,  and  shall  endeavor  to  have  something  to  offer  upon  the  sub- 
ject assigned  to  me.  I  suppose  that  subject,  "  The  Judiciary,"  would 
appropriately  include  some  account  of  the  judiciary  article  in  the  Constitu- 
tion ;  how  it  has  been  found  to  operate  in  practice,  and,  perhaps,  suggestions 
as  to  how  it  might  be  improved.  Am  I  right  in  this  view  of  it?  As  to  in- 
corporation, I  do  no  not  think  there  is  at  present  any  law  of  the  State  under 
which  such  a  society  can  be  incorporated,  and  probably  we  will  have  to 
await  some  legislative  action  before  it  can  be  done.     My  health  is  fairly 

good.     I  hope  you  are  well  and  prospering.      • 

Yours, 

W.  W.  Dixon. 


116  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Helena,  Mont.,  August  7,  1890. 
Son.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary  : 

My  Dear  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  5th  inst.  has  just  been  received.  I 
observe  that  you  name  me  as  chairman  of  the  local  committee  on  arrange- 
ments for  hall  and  banquet.  I  am  somewhat  embarrassed  by  this,  and  am 
afraid  there  is  a  mistake  somewhere,  for  the  reason  that  I  saw  in  both  Butte 
and  Helena  newspapers  that  Governor  Toole  was  chairman  of  the  committee 
on  arrangements.  Was  the  same  notice  sent  to  the  other  members  of  the 
committee  ? 

Sincerely  yours, 

B.  Platt  Carpenter. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  August  8,  1890. 
Hon.  B.  Platt  Carpenter,  Helena,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Friend — Your  kind  letter  of  yesterday  to  hand.  You  were 
selected  as  the  Chairman  of  the  local  or  home  Committee  of  Arrangements 
to  look  after  the  hall,  etc.,  for  our  reunion,  and  all  the  members  will  be 
notified  by  printed  circular,  shortly,  to  be  mailed  by  the  President  and 
Secretary.     The  circular  is  in  the  hands  of  the  printer  now. 

Our  President  expressed  himself  strongly  that  you  were  the  best  man 
for  this  position,  and  1  heartily  agreed  with  him.     With  kindest  regards, 

I  remain  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary. 


Glendale,  Most.,  August  18,  1890. 
Hon.   W.  W.  Dixon,  Butte,  Mont: 

My  Dear  Sir — I  have  your  very  kind  letter,  of  August  10th.  You  are 
perfectly  correct  in  your  understanding  of  what  the  "  reunion "  expects 
from  you  on  the  subject  "  The  Judiciary,"  assigned  to  you.  The  idea  is  to 
dwell  year  by  year  upon  the  Constitution,  its  meaning,  and  improvements 
suggested.     Thanking  you  for  your  hearty  and  cordial  co-operation, 

I  remain  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


Helena,  Mont.,  August  22,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg : 

My  Dear  Sir — When  in  doubt,  I  feel  at  liberty  to  call  upon  you  or  Pres- 
ident Clark  for  information.  Of  course,  all  members  of  the  late  Constitu- 
tional Convention  are  members  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  of  Montana. 

Now,  first,  what  other  persons,  if  any,  are  members?  and  if  any  other 
persons  are  members,  please  be  kind  enough  to  furnish  me  their  names 
and  addresses. 

Second,  are  any  persons  except  members  to  be  admitted  to  the  ban- 
quet? and,  if  any,  what  are  their  names? 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  117 


I  earnestly  desire  that  this  anniversary  should  be  properly  celebrated. 
Please  do  not  confine  yourself  to  answering  the  foregoing ilquestions, 
but  freely  make  any  suggestions  that  you  deem  pertinent. 

Very  truly, 

B.  Platt  Carpenter. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  September  1,  1890. 
Hon.  B.  Piatt  Carpenter,  Helena,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Friend — I  have  been  away  from  home,  hence  the  delay  in  an- 
swering your  very  kind  letter  of  August  22. 

I  thank  you  for  the  deep  and  earnest  interest  that  you  are  taking  in 
our  first  reunion,  and  shall  be  glad  always  to  hear  from  you  and  render  you 
all  the  aid  possible. 

First.  Only  the  seventy-five  members,  and  the  employes  of  our  Con- 
vention, are  to  be  members  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Montana.     No  one  else. 

Second.  The  banquet  is  only  for  the  members  and  employes,  as  stated 
above. 

The  President  and  I  talked  over  the  entire  question,  and  are  both 
firmly  of  the  opinion  that  the  day  "  reunion  "  session  should  be  open  and 
the  public  admitted,  but  that  the  banquet  should  be  with  closed  doors,  none 
inside  but  the  members  and  employes. 

It  is  possible  the  Convention  itself  may  change  this  conclusion  at  our 
first  anniversary,  if  so  the  majority  will  rule,  but  a  few  of  us  did  not  feel  at 
liberty  to  open  the  doors. 

Will  you  let  me  know  as  soon  as  possible  the  place  or  hall  where  we  are 
to  meet,  and  also  the  hotel  where  the  banquet  is  to  be  given,  and  the  hour, 
so  that  I  can  incorporate  these  facts  in  my  notice. 

I  have  arranged  with  Mr.  Clark  to  meet  him  in  due  time  to  arrange  a 
"  toast  list"  for  the  banquet,  and  I  will  notify  the  chosen  speakers  and  sub- 
jects. With  kind  regards,  your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary. 


Helena,  Mont.,  September  3,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg  : 

Dear  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  1st  inst.  received.  The  local  committee 
of  seven  is  so  large  that  it  was  found  impossible,  after  two  attempts,  to  get 
more  than  a  quorum  together.  To  facilitate  action  it  was  finally  agreed  that 
Messrs.  Muth,  Hershfield  and  Chessman  should  be,  and  they  were,  appointed 
a  sub-committee  to  arrange  for  a  hall  and  banquet. 

Mr.  Wm.  Muth  is  chairman  of  that  committee,  and  seems  disposed  to 
be  active  in  the  matter. 

I  assume  that  this  sub-committee  will  desire  to  ascertain  the  wishes  of 
the  Society. 

It  has  occurred  to  me  that  the  Society  should  meet  at  12  m.  in  the  hall 
where  the  Constitution  was  framed,  and  there  transact  all  business. 


118  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY    OF   THE 

Second.  That  after  the  transaction  of  all  proper  business,  a  recess  he  taken 
until  3  or  4  p.  m.,  at  which  time  the  members,  and  the  public  also,  should 
meet  either  in  the  same  hall  or  in  the  opera  house  and  listen  to  the  ad- 
dresses. 

Third.     That  the  members  should  meet  at  the  banquet  at  8  or  9  p.  m. 

Please  give  me  your  views  as  to  a  program  for  the  day,  so  that  the 
committee  may  arrange  accordingly.  I  shall  write  to  President  Clark  and 
ascertain  his  views  and  wishes,  as  he  will  be  the  most  prominent  actor  at 
the  meeting.  Very  truly, 

B.  Platt  Cafpekter. 


Helena,  Mont.,  September  23,  1890. 
Henry  Knippenberg,  Esq.,  Secretary,  Gltndah,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Your  various  favors  to  B.  Platt  Carpenter  have  been  by  him 
referred  to  a  sub-committee,  consisting  of  Mr.  Hershfield,  Mr.  Chessman 
and  myself.  Owing  to  absence  from  the  city,  we  have  not  had  an  oppor- 
tunity until  just  now  to  arrange  matters.  The  arrangement  is  to  have  the 
members  of  the  Society  meet  at  the  court  room,  the  room  in  which  the 
Convention  was  held,  at  noon,  on  November  8.  Further  exercises  will 
probably  be  held  in  the  opera  house.  The  banquet  will  undoubtedly  be 
had  at  the  Hotel  Helena. 

We  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  at  any  time  with  any  suggestions  you 
have  to  offer,  and  we  will  let  you  know  of  any  movement  that  we  make. 

Very  respectfully, 

William  Muth, 
Secretary  of  Sub-Committee. 


Helena,  Mont.,  October  17,  1890. 
Mr.  H.  Knippenberg : 

My  Dear  Sir — The  committee  will  be  able  to  report  arrangements  made 
for  our  banquet  within  the  next  day  or  two.  We  guarantee  sixty-five,  and 
would  like  to  know  as  soon  as  possible  just  how  many  will  be  certain  to 
attend.  Many  more  than  sixty-five  can  be  accommodated,  but  it  will  be 
well  to  know  the  positive  number. 

Trusting  that  our  reunion  may  be  pleasant  and  profitable,  I  am, 

Yours  very  truly, 

William  Muth. 


Helena,;Mont.,  October  18,  1890. 
Hon.  H.   Knippenberg  : 

My  Dear  Sir — We  have  about  concluded  that  the  banquet  will  be  held 
at  the  Helena,  and  they  will  furnish  everything,  including  menu.  How 
about  invitations? 

As  1  understand  it,  you  will  send  all  that  are  needed.     If  not,  lei  us 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  119 


know  at  once.     Our  idea  is  to  have  a  menu  card  that  will  be  a  souvenir  of 
the  occasion. 

If  there  is  anything  else  we  should  do,  please  advise  us  promptly  and 
oblige.  Yours  very  truly, 

William  Mutu, 
For  Executive  Committee. 


Gi-ENDALE,  MoNT.,  October  21,  1890. 
Hon.  Wm.  Muth,  Helena,  Mont  : 

My  Dear  Friend — Your  very  kind  letters  of  the  17th  and  18th  of 
October  reached  me  last  evening.  I  am  glad  to  have  your  help.  The  fact  is 
that  you  can  hardly  realize  the  amount  of  labor  this  matter  has  so  far  cost  me. 
So  far  the  Society  has  had  no  expense.  I  have  no  bill  to  bring  against  the 
organization  ;  I  have  myself  paid  everything.  I  want  no  money  from  you 
now,  but  1  want  the  help  from  your  entire  committee  to  "boom  "  the  coming 
gathering.  I  have  written  to  the  Union  Pacific,  Northern  Pacific  and  Great 
Northern  railroads  for  reduced  fare.     In  this  matter  you  can  help  me. 

Our  first  meeting  must  be  made  a  guarantee  for  the  future  meetings. 
This  can,  in  my  opinion,  be  made  only  by  not  making  the  first  burdensome 
on  our  poorer  members.  The  railroad  fare  and  hotel  bills  to  each 
member  will  be  a  matter  of  at  least  on  an  average  of  $15.00  This 
alone  will  be  a  tax  on  some  few.  To  this  must  now  be  added  the  cost  of  a 
ticket  to  the  banquet.  It  is  true  many  of  our  members  have  railroad 
passes,  but,  as  a  rule,  these  are  the  very  ones  that  can  best  afford  to  pay 
their  fare,  so  that  this  will  not  help  the  very  members  in  whose  behalf  I  am 
referring  to  and  seeking  to  protect.  In  other  words,  I  mean  that  the  rich 
must  be  willing  to  sacrifice  their  ideas  and  tastes,  and  meet  with  the  less 
favored,  so  that  the  organization  shall  remain  within  the  reach  of  the  poorest 
member  that  we  have,  thus  avoiding  giving  offense,  or  causing  some  to  stay 
away  because  of  their  inability  to  meet  the  pecuniary  demands.  My  idea 
in  this  matter  is  that  the  man  who  can  afford  to  drink  wine,  when  he  meets 
with  his  brethren  that  can  only  afford  to  drink  water,  had  better  drink 
water  upon  that  occasion.  I  am  fully  aware  of  the  good-hearted  people  of 
Helena,  and  their  willingness  to  do,  but  it  was  thought  best  that  the  banquet 
should  be  paid  by  the  organization,  each  plate  so  much.  The  menu  card  I 
place  in  your  hands ;  get  up  something  nice,  worthy  of  the  occasion.  I 
think  the  toasts  after  supper  should  be  on  the  card.  My  hands  have  been 
so  full  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  arrange  a  toast  program.  This  should 
be  arranged  for  five-minute  speeches,  and  the  members  notified  of  their 
subjects.  May  I  not  ask  your  whole  committee  to  meet  and  arrange  this 
card  and  the  toasts?  If  you  wish  to  have  my  personal  approval,  submit  to 
me  the  proof. 

In  regard  to  the  number  that  will  be  present,  I  am  not  able  to  say.  All 
have  responded  to  my  notice  of  the  formation  of  the  Society.  I  am  now 
mailing  my  notice  of  our  reunion,  and  I  may  be  able  to  let  you  know  later 
how  many  may  be  expected.  Some,  however,  may  no  think  of  the  im- 
portance of  notifying  me. 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Your  committee  will  have  no  duty  to  perform  about  invitations.  That 
will  be  done  by  the  Secretary ;  I  mean  so  far  as  the  members  are  concerned, 
and  no  others  are  allowed  at  the  banquet.  Your  committee,  of  course,  is  at 
liberty  to  invite  anybody  to  be  present  at  our  meeting  during  the  day  at  the 
court  house.     That  will  be  public  and  free  to  all. 

May  I  not  ask  you  to  call  a  meeting  at  once  of  your  committee,  and 
submit  to  them  my  suggestions.     Keep  me  posted  as  to  all  your  plans. 

Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glexdale,  Most.,  October  21,  1890. 
Hon.    Wm.  Muth,  Helena,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Friend — I  am  satisfied  that  we  had  better  assume  the  responsi- 
bility and  place  our  meeting  upon  a  business  basis.  We  must  not  meet  and 
find  ourselves  all  at  sea.  I  have  drawn  up  a  program  for  you,  which  please 
consider,  and  I  think  your  committee  had  better  get  out  a  nice  lot  of  slips  or 
cards  for  the  public.  Perhaps  a  small  sheet  of  note  paper  would  be  nice. 
The  enclosed  is  simply  to  give  you  the  matter,  not  the  style  or  shape.  Many 
of  these  could  be  placed  in  the  railroad  stations  over  the  State.  Of  course, 
enough  must  be  retained  for  the  court  house  on  the  8th.  If  you  wish  to  mix 
any  music,  all  right.  Make  such  changes  as  you  think  best.  Please  let  me 
hear  from  you.  Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale,  Mont.,  October  22,  1890. 
Hoyi.    Wm.  Muth,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Mt  Dear  Friend — If  you  conclude  to  publish  a  lot  of  programs,  as  I 
yesterday  suggested,  I  think  you  had  better  put  on  the  last  page  the  names 
of  all  the  members.  Let  the  names  come  by  counties.  This  would  be  more 
convenient  for  people  to  locate  the  men. 

Understand  me,  I  only  suggest  these  things.  I  shall  be  perfectly 
satisfied  with  the  work  and  result  of  your  committee. 

Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

The  following  circular  was  mailed  to  each  member  of  the  Con- 
vention or  Society.  There  was  also  enclosed  a  white  silk  badge, 
with  National  Flag  and  name  of  Society  printed  on  it : 

Glendale,  Mont.,  Beaverhead  Co.,  October  17,  1890. 

My  Dear  Friend — Our  first  annual  reunion  will  take  place  Saturday, 
November  8,  1890  (noon),  at  Helena. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  121 


Our  first  banquet  will  be  enjoyed   in  the  evening  of  November  8th. 
Members  of  the  Society  only  will  be  admitted  to  the  banquet. 

Surely  you  will  not  fail  to  be  there,  for  in  being  present  you  will  add  to 
the  happiness  of  all.  Cordially  your  friend, 

H.  Knipi'knberg, 

Secretary. 

P.  S  — I  have  written  to  the  railroads  and  hope  to  secure  half  rates  for 
everybody. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  Monday,  October  20,  1890. 
E.  V.  Maze,  U.  P.  Agent,  Butte,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — The  Society  (members  of  Constitutional  Convention)  will  cele- 
brate its  first  reunion,  at  Helena,  November  8.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that, 
with  liberal  inducements  on  the  part  of  the  railroads,  many  people  in  the 
State  would  go. 

Please  consider  the  matter  and  make  your  special  offer  known  to  the 
public  in  plenty  of  time.  Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 


Butte,  Mont.,  October  25,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  have  your  circular  of  the  17th,  for  which,  please  accept  my 
thanks.  What  is  your  understanding  as  to  the  eligibility  of  the  employes, 
that  is  to  say,  chaplain,  chief  clerk  and  others,  to  become  members  of  the 
Society  ?  I  suppose,  strictly  construed,  our  title  would  admit  only  actual 
members. 

I  hope  we  will  have  a  large  attendance. 

Respectfully  yours, 

W.    A.   Cl.ARK. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  October  27,  1890. 
Hon.   Wm.  A.  Clark,  Butte,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir— Your  esteemed  favor  of  October  25,  1890,  at  hand. 
My  opinion  regarding  the  employes,  is  that  they  can  only  be  honorary 
members;  they  can  neither  hold  office  or  vote  upon  any  question.     The  So- 
ciety can  only  consist  of  the  men  chosen  by  the  people  for  the  purpose  of 
making  the  Constitution. 

Am  I  correct  in  my  position?     And  are  my  views  upon  this  matter  in 
accord  with  yours  ? 

I  have  written  a  number  of  letters  to  our  friend  Muth,  and  I  think 
everything  will  be  in  good  shape  November  8. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Butte,  Mo^T.,  October  23,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Kvippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Knippenbekg — 1  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  favor,  notifying  me  of  the  meeting  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana.  Thank  you.  If  it's  in  the  papers  I 
vpill  be  there.  Yours  very  truly, 

Charles  S.  Warren. 


Butte  City,  Mokt.,  October  23,  1890. 
Friend  Knippenberg : 

Your  artistically  constructed,  patriotically  decorated,  and  cordially  ex- 
pressed invitation  to  attend  the  first  annual  reunion  of  the  F.  C.  S.  M.  is  at 
hand. 

1  anticipate  a  most  enjoyable  time,  and  shall  be  there,  D.  V.,  without 
fail.  Yours  sincerely, 

F.  E.  Sargeant. 

Deer  Lodge,  Mont.,  October  26,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg  : 

Dear  Sir — Your  circular  letter  with  Society  badge  of  the  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  is  received.  Many  thanks.  1  shall  certainly  make  a  great 
effort  to  be  on  hand  at  Helena  for  the  first  annual  reunion.  My  associa- 
tions with  and  recollections  of  the  members  of  that  body  were,  and  are,  so 
very  pleasant  that  I  am  exceedingly  anxious  to  keep  them  in  remembrance. 

Yours  very  truly, 

H.  R.  Whitehill. 

Helena,  October  25,  1890. 
Hon.  Knippenberg,  Secretary,  Ghndale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Mr.  Knippenberg — God  willing,  I  shall  be  present  and  partici- 
pate in  the  happy  reunion  of  the  members  of  the  Constitutional  Convention 
on  November  8. 

I  can  not  close  this  without  complimenting  and  commending  our 
honored  Secretary  for  his  great  efforts  in  obtaining  prospective  good  results 
from  the  organization  of  the  society.     With  great  esteem,  am 

Yours  truly, 

L.  H.  Hershfield. 

Helena,  Mont.,  October  25,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Ghndale,  Mont.: 

Mt  Dear  Sir — Your  invitation  to  attend  the  reunion  of  the  Society  of 
the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  received,  together  with  the  handsome 
souvenir  in  the  shape  of  the  badge.  It  will  be  one  of  the  pleasures  of  life 
to  attend  and  meet  with  our  friends. 

Thanking  you  for  the  remembrance,  and  hoping  to  see  you  ever  in  the 
best  of  health,  I  remain.  Very  truly  yours, 

Lee  Swords. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  123 

Helena,  Mokt.,  October  27,  1890.  ' 
Hon.  H.  Knijrpenberg,  Secretary  Scciety  Frav\ers  of  Constitution,  Glenda/e: 

Dear  Sir — Your  favor,  with  enclosed  badge,  received,  for  which  please 
accept  thanks.  I  ehall  be  at  the  banquet  (D.  V.),  and  hope  if  there  are  any 
speeches  or  toasts,  I  may  be  accorded  the  privilege  of  one  short  effort.  You 
will  remember  how  "you  fellows  "  drove  me  for  forty  days  and  forty  nights, 
and  I  think  it  only  the  measure  of  God's  retribution  that  I  should  be  allowed 
the  privilege  of  getting  back  at  you  for  a  few  minutes  at  least. 

Very  truly  yours, 

C.  P.  Connolly, 
Stenographer  Constitutional  Convention. 


Missoula,  Mont.,  October  27,  1890. 

ffon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  18th  is  at  hand  and  noted.     Let  me  thank  you 

for  the  very  beautiful  badge  sent,  and  to  compliment  you  on  the  neat  and 

tasty  design.     It  is  in  every  way  appropriate,  and,  1  have  no  doubt,  will  be 

worn  with  pride  by  every  member. 

Yours  very  truly, 

W.  M.   BiCKFORD. 


Marysville,  Mont.,  October  27,  1890. 

Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir— Yours  of  the  23d  received.     I  will   be   glad  to  meet  orvce 

more  with  all  the  members  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  and  hope  they 

will  all  be  there. 

Yours  truly, 

A.  J.  Burns. 


Helena,  Mont.,  October  27,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  ihe  Constitution, 

Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Mr.  Knippenberg— I  have  to  thank  you  for  your  kind  invita- 
tion to  attend  the  banquet  of  the  "  Framers,"  received  last  week. 

During  the  last  year  it  has  several  times  been  my  pleasant  duty  to  con- 
strue the  instrument  that  the  members  of  your  Society  gave  to  the  people 
of  our  State.  The  application  of  the  rules  of  constitutional  construction  is 
one  of  the  most  interesting  branches  of  law.  Your  painstaking  labor  has 
heretofore  relieved  the  Supreme  Court  from  any  serious  embarrassment; 
but,  I  now  regret  to  say  that,  the  Honorable  Secretary,  in  his  invitation,  has 
presented  an  instrument  for  construction  which  taxes  the  established  rules. 

The  invitation  contains  two  clauses — 

1.  Members  of  the  Society  only  will  be  admitted  to  the  banquet. 

2.  An  invitation,  very  cordially  expressed,  to  me  to  be  present. 

The  interpretation  and  construction  of  these  two  clauses  has  caused  me 
some  unsuccessful  eflfort. 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Provisions  of  the  Constitution,  in  pari  materia,  must  be  construed  to- 
gether. To  construe  the  two  clauses  of  your  invitation  together,  seems  to 
me  to  arouse  an  "irrepressible  conflict."  I  am  not  a  member  of  the  Society, 
and  therefore  am  invited  to  stay  at  home.  Again,  I  am  warmly  invited  to 
be  present. 

The  true  intent  of  the  framer  of  the  invitation  must  be  sought,  is  an- 
other rule  of  construction.  That  intent  may  be  that  I  am  to  attend,  and 
stand  behind  the  table,  or  in  the  hall,  and  get  nothing  to  eat.  But  this  con- 
struction falls  again  by  the  application  of  the  principle  that  I  may  resort  to 
established  history  for  light;  and,  making  that  excursion  into  history,  I 
find  the  years  of  friendship  and  courtesy  from  the  framer  of  the  invitation, 
toward  me.  Therefore  it  is  impossible  to  believe  that  he  intended  for  me  a 
banquet  of  the  imagination,  while  he  partook  of  the  substance  of  the  feast. 

Whether  the  former  or  the  latter  clause  shall  prevail  leads  to  equal 
difficulties. 

I  do  not  know  how  to  retaliate  upon  you,  unless  we  form  a  "Society  of 
the  Interpreters,"  and  then  extend  an  invitation  to  you  to  attend  our  ban- 
quet, which  invitation  we  will  allow  you  to  "  frame,"  and  we  will  "  interpret" 
ourselves.     In  any  event,  be  assured  of  my  continued  regards. 

Very  truly  yours, 

William  H.  DeWitt. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  October  29,  1890. 
Hon.  Wm.  H.  DeWitt,  Helena,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Friend — Your  kind  letter  of  the  27th  inst.  is  to  hand;  con- 
tents noted. 

Really,  I  am  delighted  even  to  think  that  I  have  been  able  to  dumb- 
found the  Supreme  Court  of  Montana,  upon  a  constitutional  question. 

But  I  will  not  be  vain.  The  question,  or  rather  invitation,  I  propounded 
to  you  in  my  celebrated  and  cordial  circular,  is  the  outgrowth  of  my  early 
education.  When  I  was  in  the  Constitutional  Convention,  you  lawyers  told 
us  poor  laymen,  that  a  constitution  was  a  "  prohibitory  "  instrument.  This 
was  told  me  every  day  ;  sometimes  all  day.  So  strongly  was  this  impressed 
upon  my  mind,  verily,  ever  since  August  17,  1889,  I  have  felt  that  I  am  old 
"  Mr.  Prohib  "  myself. 

I  plead  guilty.  I  see  that  my  warm  friendship  and  high  esteem  for  a 
limited  number  of  my  personal  friends  in  Montana,  among  which  are  my 
dear  personal  friends  DeWitt  and  Blake,  has  caused  me  to  fall  into  a  very 
sad  "  prohibitory  "  mistake. 

There  is  but  one  way  out  of  this  unheard-of  constitutional  question,  viz.: 
You  to  accept  the  cork,  and  the  "prohibitors  "  empty  the  bottle. 

Please  accept  my  kindest  regards  a,nd  my  well  wishes  for  a  long  and 
useful  life. 

Your  sincere  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


KRAMERS    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  125 

Butte,  Mont  ,  October  27,  1890. 
My  Dear  Mr.  Knippenberg — Your  notification  of  the  annual  reunion 
Saturday,  November  8,  has  been  received.     I  will  be  present,  if  possible,  and 
I  know  of  nothing  now  to  interfere.  Yours  truly, 

Martin  Maginnis. 


Helena,  Mont.,  October  28,  1890. 

Dear  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  23d  inst.  was  received  containing  the 
badge  I  was  very  pleasantly  surprised,  as  I  was  only  one  of  the  extra  pages 
in  the  Convention. 

I  am  sure  1  shall  always  be  proud  of  it,  and,  when  I  grow  older,  of  the 
happy  remembrances  of  the  Constitutional  Convention. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  stamps  for  the  letters  you  have  so  kindly  sent  to 
me.     Again  thanking  you  for  your  trouble,  1  am, 

Yours  truly, 

Cornelius  Hedges,  Jb. 

Camp  in  North  Moccasin  Mts.,  Mont.,  October  28,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary,  Etc.: 

My  Dear  Sir — Your  reminder  of  the  approaching  first  annual  meeting 
of  the  Society  of  the  Kramers  of  the  Constitution  is  just  received  by  private 
hand  from  Lewistown,  where  I  have  been  staying  for  some  time. 

I  much  regret  that  I  shall  be  unable  to  be  present  at  the  gathering  of  the 
Association  at  Helena  on  the  8th  prox.,  as  it  would  give  me  great  pleasure 
to  renew  my  acquaintance  with  so  many  who  were  associated  with  me  in 
our  good  work.  1  expect  to  go  over  to  Lewistown  to  vote  on  the  4th,  but 
will  be  obliged  to  return  here  at  once. 

With  my  best  wishes  for  the  happiness  and  welfare  of  every  member  of 
the  Association,  and  for  yourself  personally,  I  remain. 

Yours  very  truly, 

W.  H.  Watson. 


Fort  Benton^  Mont  ,  October  29,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir— Enclosed  please  find  blank  filled  out  as  requested  by  you 
some  time  ago.  I  had  overlooked  the  matter  until  Mr.  Todd  called  my  at- 
tention to  it  to-day.     Hoping  I  am  not  too  late,  1  remain, 

Yours  very  truly, 

E.  C.  Garrett. 

Butte,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — 1  have  your  favor  of  the  27th,  and  note  contents.  I  agree 
with  you  as  to  the  eligibility  of  employes  of  the  Constitutional  Convention 
to  membership  in  our  Society. 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

I  have  seen  recently,  in  my  travels  in  the  State,  many  members  of  the 

Convention,  and  they  generally  express  an  intention  to  be  present  on  the  8th. 

Respectfully  yours, 

W.  A.  Clark. 

Helena,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale: 

Dear  Sir — Your  kind  invitation  to  the  first  annual  banquet  and  meet- 
ing of  the  Society  at  hand.  The  badge  is  one  of  the  handsomest  and  ap- 
propriate that  could  be  designed.  I  shall  surely  be  on  hand,  and  hope  that 
all  of  the  members  will.  Hoping  to  see  you  there  well,  as  the  last  time  we 
all  met,  I  am,  very  truly, 

Wm.  L.  Greene. 


Butte,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Friend — Your  kindly  reminder  of  the  reunion,  to  take  place  No- 
vember 8,  to  hand.     I  have  been  absent,  hence  this  delay. 

It  must  be  something  very  important,  and  more  important  than  I  can 
now  imagine,  that  will  prevent  me  from  enjoying  the  meeting,  which  I  look 
forward  too  with  so  much  pleasure.  Your  friend, 

G.  W.  Stapleton. 


Helena,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 

Dear  Sir — I  have  the  honor  of  acknowledging  notice   of  meeting  of 
members  of  the  Constitutional  Convention.     Thanks. 

I  shall  take  pleasure  in  attending.  Yours  truly, 

Maurice  Langhorne. 


Helena,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

My  DEiR  Sir — I  herewith  acknowledge  receipt  of  invitation  to  the  first 
"  Annual  Reunion  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution,"  to  take  place  at 
Helena,  on  November  8,  for  which,  please  accept  thanks. 

Very  truly  yours, 

W.  J.  Kennedy. 


Choteau,  Mont.,  October  30,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  22d  inst.  just  received,  and,  in  reply,  I  will  say 
that  it  will  give  me  much  pleasure  to  meet  our  friends  of  the  Convention  on 
November  8,  1890. 

You  will  please  find  enclosed  your  printed  blank  form,  which  I  filled 
as  requested. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Samuel  L.  Mitchell. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  127 

Indianapolis,  Ind.,  October  ol,  IS'.IO. 
H.  Knippenherg,  Esq.,  Secretary,  Etc.: 

Dear  Sir  and  Friend — Your  kind  invitation  to  attend  the  reunion  of 
the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana, 
November  8  prox.,  was  received,  and  is  sincerely  appreciated.  And  in  ex- 
pressing my  regrets  at  not  being  able  to  make  the  long  journey  and  greet 
you  in  person  with  my  kind  wishes,  1  may,  perhaps,  be  allowed,  though  a 
.stranger  to  all  of  your  members  but  yourself,  to  offer  the  following  senti- 
ment: 

"Hail  to  Montana,  the  Mountain  State!  May  her  star  grow  greater 
and  brighter,  until  its  luster  equals  that  of  any  of  her  sisters  in  the  galaxy 
of  States !"  And  with  my  best  wishes  for  your  personal  health  and  pros- 
perity, and  the  success  of  your  reunion, 

I  am  yours  sincerely, 

Charles  P.  Jacobs. 

Spotted  Horse  Mine,  October  31,  1870. 
H.  Knippenherg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Friend — If  possible  I  will  certainly  be  present  at  our  first  banquet 
to  enjoy  the  happiness  of  meeting  our  friends.  With  good  wishes,  etc.,  I 
am,  Your  friend,  truly, 

P.  W.  McAdow. 


Shattuck  School,  Fairbault,  Minn.,  November  2,  1890. 
Mr.  H.  Knippenherg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  receive  your  invitation  to  the  first 
banquet  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana,  but  I  will  be  com- 
pelled to  decline,  as  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  leave  school. 

Yours,  W.  D.  Alexander. 


Stevensville,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 
H.  Knippenherg,  Glendale  Mont: 

Dear  Friend — Yours,  containing  invitation,  received,  but  was  delayed  on 
the  road;  therefore  the  acceptance  is  accordingly  late.  No  preventing 
Providence,  I  will  be  on  hand  Hoping  you  are  enjoying  the  health  and  the 
blessings  you  deserve,  I  remain,  Truly  yours, 

Luke  D.  Hatch. 

Butte  City,  Mont.,  November  5,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenherg,  Glendale,  Mont.: 

Dear  Mr.  Knippenberg — Returned  from  the  East  day  before  yesterday 
and  found  your  circular  letter,  with  badge  inclosed,  awaiting  me.  If  nothing 
occurs  to  prevent  I  shall  take  great  pleasure  in  being  present. 

Hoping  to  see  you  in  a  day  or  two,  I  am,  with  respect, 

Yours  very  truly, 

J.   E.   ElCKARDS. 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Helena,  Mont.,  November  1,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg: 

My  Dear  Sir — Herewith  I  send  copy  of  invitation.  The  program 
will  go  to-morrow  and  all  invitations  will  be  mailed,  including  programs, 
to  all  the  members  known  to  me. 

I  find  that  I  have  not  a  complete  list  of  all  entitled  to  invitations.  I 
think  some  are  omitted  in  the  picture,  the  only  thing  I  have.  Can  you  send 
me  a  complete  list  at  once  and  I  will  have  a  card  printed  with  all  the  names 
on  it. 

Are  we  expected  to  prepare  a  toast  list?  I  understood  that  you  would 
do  that,  but  this  morning  I  again  read  yours  of  the  22d  and  am  in  doubt. 

I  am  afraid  we  are  a  little  bit  late  on  this  part,  but  a  little  spontaneity 
might  increase  the  "  snap  "  of  the  responses. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Wm.  Moth,  for  Committee. 


Glendale,  Mont.,  November  4,  1890. 
Hon.  Wm.  Muth,  Helena,  Mont.: 

My  Dear  Sir — The  programs  and  invitations  received.  They  are  very 
nice,  and  do  great  honor  to  your  committee.  Will  you  kindly  mail  me  one- 
half  dozen  programs.     I  wish  to  use  them. 

I  have  received  a  large  number  of  letters  from  our  members  saying  that 
they  will  surely  be  present. 

I  enclose  you  a  correct  list  of  our  membership,  and  the  photo,  of  the 
group  will  give  you  the  P.  O.  of  each  and  county.  If  these  are  printed, 
please  see  that  no  names  are  wrong  in  the  spelling. 

If  your  committee  has  not  arranged  the  toasts,  all  right.  Perhaps  it 
would  be  best  to  have  them  oflF-hand,  free  for  all.     I  will  be  over  Friday 

Your  friend, 

H.  Knippenberg. 


KiRST   Rkunion 


HELENA,    MONTANA, 


-Saturday,   Novkiviber   Sth,  ISQO. 


SOCIETY 


OF    THE 


Framers  of  the  Constitution 


OI"   THE 


State  of  Montana. 


JULY  4,1889.  AUGUST  17,1889. 


EXECUTIVE  COiS/lNIITTEE. 


Wm.  a.  Ci.ark,  Chairman. 
H.  Knippenberg.  Chas.  S.  Marshaij,, 

Martin  Maginnis.  Paris  Gibson. 

Geo.  W.  Stapl^ton.  J.  K.  Rickards. 

AI.FRED  Myers. 


Program, 


12  O'CLOCK  NOON. 

Society  called  to  order  .  '. By  President. 

Address  of  Welcome B.  P.  Carpenter. 

Response W.  A.  Cl.\rk. 

Roll-call  and  Minutes  Read Secretary. 

Report  of  Treasurer L.  H.  Hershfield. 

Constitution   and   By-Laws   Adopted.     Election  of  Officers.     Standing  Com- 
mittees Appointed.     General  Business.     Recess. 


4  O'CLOCK  P.  M. 

PUBLIC  ADDRESSES. 

"  The  Constitutional  Convention  and  our  Society  " Wm.  A.  CL.A.RK. 

"  The  Executive  " J.  K.  ToOLE. 

"  The  Judiciary  " V.'.  W.  DixoN. 

General  and  Closing  Business. 


9  O'CLOCK  P.  M. 
Society  Banquet  at  the  Hotel  "Helena  " 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  131 

Deer  Lodge,  Mont.,  November  2,  1890. 
Hoyi.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Banquet  Committee  and  Others  : 

Dear  Sirs — In  response  to  your  request  to  be  present  at  the  first  annual 
banquet,  etc.,  I  will  say  that  I  will  be  in  Helena  on  the  6th  inst.,  and  if 
possible  remain  over  to  evening  of  8th.  Very  truly, 

J.  C.  Robinson. 


[Telegram.] 

Deer  Lodge,  Mont.,  November  8,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Helena  Hotel: 

I  regret  exceedingly  my  utter  inability  to  be  present  at  the    reunion. 
Will  do  better  next  time.     Kindest  greeting  to  all. 

J.  F.  BrAZ ELTON. 


[Telegram.] 

BozEMAN,  Mont.,  November  8,  1890. 

Hon.  W.  A.  Clark,  President  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana, 

Helena,  Mont.: 

I  regret  exceedingly  that,  owing  to  the  serious  illness  of  my  wife,  I 
shall  not  be  able  to  attend  the  first  reunion  of  our  Society.  I  assure  you 
that  the  movement  has  my  warmest  sympathy  and  approval,  and  will  have 
my  earnest  support  whenever  I  can  be  personally  present  or  otherwise  assist 
or  promote  its  present  and  future  success.  1  earnestly  hope  you  will  have  a 
large  attendance  and  an  enjoyable  time. 

Walter  Cooper. 


Virginia,  Mont.,  November  7,  1890. 
Hon.  Henry  Knippenberg,  Secretary,  etc.: 

My  Dear  Sir — It  is  with  the  most  intense  regret  that  I  am  unable  to 
join  you  to-morrow  and  greet  you  and  others — the  Framers  of  our  Constitu- 
tion. It  is,  indeed,  a  high  honor  to  have  served  with  such  notable  and  noble 
citizens.  I  am  proud  to  believe  them  all  to  be  my  friends.  I  can  think  of 
no  one  of  them  but  with  the  kindliest  feelings  and  sentiments  of  the  warm- 
est friendship. 

Truly  your  friend, 

J.  E.  Callaway. 


Blliston,  Mont.,  November  7,  1890. 
Hon.  H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary  of  Society  : 

Dear  Sir — I  am  very  sorry  that  1  can  not  attend  our  first  annual  meet- 
ing on  the  8th  inst.  Personal  matters  over  which  I  have  no  control  pre- 
vent me  at  this  time,  but  I  assure  you  that  I  have  nothing  but  kind  words 
for  our  Society,  and  sincerely  hope  that  the  Society  may  flourish,  and  that 

we  may  all  be  able  to  meet  one  year  hence. 

Very  truly, 

Ed.  Burns. 


132  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 

Butte,  Mont.,  November  6,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  regret  that  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  be  present  at  the 
reunion  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  in  Helena,  on  the  8th. 

Respectfully, 

J.  E  Gaylord 

Butte  City,  Mont.,  November  6,  1890. 
Messrs.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  W.  A.  Chessman,  Wm.  Muth,  Banquet  Committee: 

Gentlemen — Your  invitation  to  attend  the  first  annual  banquet  of  the 
Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  is  received.  In  answer  I  wish  to 
express  the  pleasure  afforded  in  the  opportunity  to  meet  with  the  entire 
number  of  that  Convention.  I  certainly  will  avail  myself  of  the  oppor- 
tunity. Respectfully  yours, 

Thomas  F.  Courtney. 


Livingston,  Mont.,  November  6,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  and  Others,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Gentlemen — 1  regret  very  much  that  I  can  not  be  with  the  Framers  of 
the  Constitution  at  their  first  reunion  on  the  8th  inst. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Alfred  Myers. 

Billings,  Mont.,  November  5,  1890. 

Messrs.  L.  H.  Hershfield,    W.  A.  Chessman  and  William  Muth,  Banquet  Committee, 
Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana,  Helena,  Mont.: 
Gentlemen — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  invitation 

to  attend  the  banquet  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of 

Montana,  to  be  given  at  the  Helena  Hotel,  on  the  8th  inst.,  and  beg  to  say 

that  I  will  be  in  attendance. 

Yours  fraternally, 

0.   F.  GODDARD. 

Fort  Benton,  Mont.,  November  5,  1890. 
David  G.  Browne  accepts  with  much  pleasure  the  invitation  extended 
by  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana, 
for  their  first  annual  banquet  on  November  8,  1890. 


I 


Dillon,  Mont.,  November  5^  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena : 

My  Dear  Sir — I  hope  your  banquet  will  be  a  complete  success  and  I  very 
much  regret  my  inability  to  be  present  and  participate  in  the  pleasures  of 
the  day.     My  best  wishes  are  with  all  the  members  present. 

Respectfully  yours, 

A.  C.  Witter. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  133 

Butte  City,  Mont.,  Nov.  4,  1890. 
Messrs.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  W.  A  Chessman,  Wm.  Muth,  Committee,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Gentlemen — Your  very  kind  invitation  to  the  annual  banquet  of  the  So- 
ciety of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana,  to  be  held  on  the  8th 
inst.,  at  Helena,  is  received.  Should  nothing  now  unforseen  occur  to  prevent, 
I  shall  be  with  you.  Yours, 

W.  W.  Dixon. 

Deer  Lodge,  Mont.,  November  4,  1890. 
Banquet  Committee  of  the  Constitution  Framers: 

Gentlemen — I  accept  with  much  pleasure  the  invitation  for  the  banquet 
for  November  8,  and  unless  unavoidably  detained  at  home,  which  I  do  not 
anticipate  at  present,  will  certainly  be  there. 

Yours  very  gratefully, 

H.  R.  Whitehill. 

Dearborn,  Mont.,  November  4,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena,  Mont : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  received  the  invitation  to  be  present  at  the  "  First 
Annual  Banquet  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Mon- 
tana, at  the  Helena  Hotel." 

You  can  count  on  my  being  present.     I  am. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

W.  C.  Gillette. 

Bannack,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena: 

Dear  Sir — I  expect  to  be  with  you  on  the  8th. 

Yours  truly, 

F.  L.  Graves. 

Butte  City,  Mont.,  November  5,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena,  Mont. : 

Dear  Sir — I  find  invitation  to  first  reunion,  etc.,  to  be  held  in  your  city 
on  the  8th,  awaiting  me  upon  my  return  from  Boston.  I  shall  take  great 
pleasure  in  being  present,  nothing  occurring  to  prevent. 

Hastily.     Yours  truly, 

J.  E.  Rickards. 

Fort  Benton,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 

Hons.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Wm.  Muth,  and  Others,  Banquet  Committee  of  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention  of  Montana  : 

Gentlemen — Acknowledging  the  honor  of  your  kind  invitation  to  attend 
the  banquet  November  8,  is  accepted  with  great  pleasure. 

Yours  respectfully, 

Wm.  H.  Todd. 


134  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 

BozEMAN,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 
Messrs.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  W.  A.  Chessman  and  William  Muth,  Committee,  Helena, 
Montana  : 

Dear  Sirs — I  have  thehonortoacknowledgethereceiptof  your  invitation 
to  the  first  annual  banquet  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution 
of  Montana. 

1  regret  more  than  1  can  tell  you  that  engagements  which  I  can  not 
break  prevent  my  being  present  with  my  fellow  members  of  that  Society. 
1  have  to  leave  here  to-morrow  morning  for  White  Sulphur  Springs  to  at- 
tend court  there,  and  will  not  be  able  to  get  away  before  the  8th  inst. 
I  tender  my  warm  and  patriotic  greetings  to  the  Society. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L.  A.  Luce. 


Livingston,  Mont., ,  1890. 

Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Helena: 

Dear  Sir — You  can  count  on  me  being  with  you  next  Saturday.     Sure  \ 

Yours,  etc., 

Allan  E.  Joy. 


Helena,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 

lo  the  Honorable  Banquet  Committee,  Society  of  Framers  of  the  Constitution,  Helena, 
Mont: 

Gentlemen — Your  invitation  to  attend  the  first  reunion  of  the  Society 
of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana  is  duly  received, 
and  I  assure  you,  gentlemen,  it  will  be  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  be  present 
to  again  meet  the  honorable  members  of  the  Convention. 

Yours  truly, 

Sam.  Alexander. 


Stevensvii.le,  Moxt.,  November  3,  1890. 
William  Muth,  Hehna,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir  and  Friend — Tlie  invitation  of  your  committee,  requesting 
my  attendance  at  the  banquet,  Saturday  evening,  November  8,  1890,  received 
and  respectfully  accepted. 

Yours  truly, 

Luke  D.   Hatch. 


Butte,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Chairman  : 

Dear   Sir — I  am   pleased   to  state  that    I    accepted  invitation   to  the 
banquet,  and  will  be  present  on  the  Sth  inst. 

Yours  very  truly, 

W.  A.  Clark. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF   MONTANA.  135 


Livingston,  Mont.,  November  3,  1890. 
L.  H.  Eershfield,  Esq.: 

Dear  Sir — I  am  in  receipt  of  invitation  to  be  present  at  the  first  annual 
banquet  of  the  Society  of  the  Framer.s  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana.  I 
shall  accept  the  invitation  with  pleasure,  and  shall  be  present  in  the  city  of 
Helena  on  November  8th  to  attend  the  same. 

Yours  most  truly, 

Wm.  T.  Field. 


Helena,  Mont.,  November  G,  18W. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Henhfield,  Cliairman  Banquet  Committee,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — Replying  to  your  invitation  to  same,  I  beg  to  say  that  it  will 
give  me  pleasure  to  be  present  at  the  banquet  to  be  given  to  the  "  Society 
of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana  "  on  next  Saturday  evening. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Geo.  0.  Eaton, 


BozEMAN,  Mont.,  November  6,  1890. 
Hon.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Chairman  Banquet  Committee,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Dear  Sir — I  regret  that  I  will  be  unable  to  accept  the  kind  invitation 
of  your  committee  and  be  present  at  the  banquet  November  8,  1890.  1  leave 
for  the  East  on  that  day,  and  hence  will  be  deprived  of  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing the  members  of  the  Convention,  whose  acquaintance  and  friendship  I 
thoroughly  appreciate.     Wishing  you  a  pleasant  time,  I  am, 

Very  truly  yours, 

Chas.  S.  Hartman. 


TowNSEND,  Mont.,  November  4,  1890. 
H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary : 

Dear  Sir — Invitation  to  annual  reunion  of  Society  of  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  is  at  hand,  and  I  regret  that  my  attendance  at  District  Court, 
Meagher  county,  will  prevent  acceptance. 

Cordially  yours, 

J.  E.  Kanouse. 


Fort  Benton,  Mont.,  November  6,  1890. 
Mr.  L.  H.  Hershfield  and  Others,  Banquet  Committee,  Helena,  Mont.: 

Gentlemen — I  am  in  receipt  of  your  invitation  to  attend  the  annual 
banquet  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana,  to  be  held  in 
Helena  on  the  8th  inst, ,  and  am  happy  to  say  that  I  will  be  present. 

Yours  truly, 

C.  E.  Conrad. 


. 


TVIINUTBS 


First  Reunion 


^Saturday,  No^^em-ber  !S,  1H90. 


At  12  o'clock  noon,  Saturday,  November  8,  1890,  the  Society 
of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Montana  met 
in  the  Court-house,  at  Helena,  Montana,  in  the  same  room  in 
which  the  Convention  held  its  sessions  for  forty-five  days,  viz., 
from  July  4,  1889,  to  August  17,  1889. 

Wm.  A.  Clark,  President,  called  the  Society  to  order  promptly 
at  the  hour  named. 

The  Chaplain  not  being  present,  prayer  was  omitted. 


138  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


ADDRESS  OF  WELCOME. 


BY    B.    PLATT    CARPENTER. 


Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the: 
Constitution  of  Montana — In  my  few  remarks,  I  shall  speak  partly  as  a  col- 
league, but  more  particularly  as  an  humble  resident  of  the  city  where  your 
important  work  of  last  year  was  performed.  Many  circumstances  unite  ta 
make  this  occasion  memorable.  This  is  not  only  your  first  reunion  after  you 
had  submitted  to  the  people  a  system  of  government  so  nearly  perfect  as  ta 
receive  their  almost  unanimous  approval,  but  it  is  also  the  first  anniversary 
of  the  birth  of  the  State.  You  meet  in  this  temple  of  justice,  where,  months 
ago  you  moulded  our  magna  charta,  and  your  presiding  officer  is  the  same 
honored  President  who,  with  an  impartial  and  unerring  gavel,  then  guided 
your  deliberations  to  a  fortunate  conclusion.  If  Faneuil  Hall  was  the  cra- 
dle of  American  liberty,  this  now  historic  room  may  be  called  the  cradle  of  our 
Statehood.  Here  was  framed  that  distinguishing  emblem  of  popular  rule — 
a  written  Constitution.  For  thirty  centuries  the  power  of  nations  has  gen- 
erally been  wielded,  either  absolutely  or  with  slender  restrictions,  by  a  few 
persons,  and  those  often  usurpers,  and  the  people  have  generally  believed 
that  progress  and  reform  are  the  offspring  of  revolution.  Even  now  the  son 
of  proud  Albion  boasts  of  a  Constitution  which  is  not  only  intangible,  but 
which  has  never  been  accurately  defined.  That  Constitution  appears  to  be 
an  oligarchic  system  perpetuated  through  the  toleration  of  the  masses 
who  have  not  asserted  their  strength.  Our  jjeople,  however,  are  blessed  with 
self-government,  and  with  a  Constitution  which  is  written  in  the  plainest 
characters,  and  is  a  continuing  guaranty  of  equal  rights  and  impartial  jus- 
tice. The  framers  of  that  instrument  will  experience  no  little  pleasure  as 
they  recall  convention  associations,  which  have  ripened  into  friendships 
scarcely  less  tender  than  family  ties,  yet  firm  and  enduring  as  our  moun- 
tains of  rock.  To  them  it  will  be  a  source  of  pardonable  pride  that  their 
names  are  subscribed  to  our  organic  law— a  law  unalterable  by  legislatures, 
and  alterable  only  after  calm  deliberation  by  the  people.  To  the  citizens  of 
Helena  it  will  also  be  a  source  of  pride  that  the  convention,  which  this  re- 
union commemorates,  was  held  within  her  gates,  and  here,  as  doubtless 
throughout  the  State,  the  celebration  of  Montana's  natal  day  will  become 
an  established  institution. 

Gentlemen,  a  delightful  duty  now  devolves  upon  me.  On  behalf  of  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  place,  I  most  heartily  welcome  you  to  this  city,  to  its 
homes,  its  shrines  and  its  firesides,  and  assure  you  that  here  you  will  always 
be  welcome. 

President  Clark  responded  briefly  to  the  welcome,  but  his 
words  were  not  recorded,  so  that  they  can  not  now  be  given    here. 


FRAMERS    OF    THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA. 


139^ 


The  Society  at  this  point  of  the  meeting  thought  it  best  to 
take  a  recess,  and  meet  again  at  3  o'clock,  instead  of  4  o'clock,  as 
shown  on  the  regular  printed  program. 


Saturday,  Nov.  8,  1890,  3  o'clock  p.  m. 
The  President  called  the  Society  to  order  promptly  at  the  iiour 
appointed. 

The  Secretary  called  the  roll  and  the  following  members  were 
present : 


William  A.  Clark, 
Walter  M.  Bickford, 
William  Mason  Bullard, 
Alex.  F.  Burns, 
David  C.  Browne, 
B.  Platt  Carpenter, 
William  A.  Chessman, 
Charles  E.  Conrad, 
Arthur  J.  Craven, 

D.   M.  DURFEE, 

George  O.  Eaton, 
Paris  Gibson, 
o.  f.  goddard, 
R.  E.  Hammond, 
Luke  D.  Hatch, 
EicHARD  O.  Hickman, 
Thomas  Joyes, 
W.  J.  Kennedy, 
Hiram  Knowles, 
Martin  Maginnis, 
Samuel  Mitchell, 
G.  J.  Keek, 
Leopold  F.  Schmidt, 
Joseph  K.  Toole, 
H.  R.  Whitehill, 


E.  D.  Aiken, 
Peter  Breen, 
Walter  A.  Burleigh, 
Andrew^  J.  Burns, 
Edward  Cardwell, 
Milton  Cauby, 
Timothy  E.  Collins, 
Thomas  F.  Courtney^ 
W.  W.  Dixon, 
William  Dyer, 
William  T.  Field, 
Warren  C.  Gillette, 
Fielding  L.  Graves, 
Henri  J.  Haskell, 
Lewis  H.  Hershfield,. 
Joseph  Hog  an, 
Allen  R.  Joy, 
H.  Knippenberg, 
Conrad  Kohrs, 
J.  E.  Marion, 
William  MayctEr, 
William  Muth, 

J.  E.  RiCKARDS, 

George  W.  Stapleton,. 
Chas.  M.  Webster. 


140  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

Honorary  members  present  (employes) : 

William  H.  Todd,  Chief  Clerk. 
Christoper  p.  Connolly,  Stenographer. 
Samuel  Alexander,  Sergeant-at-Arms. 
Wm.  L.  Green,  Assistant  Sergeant-at-Arms. 
John  Kav,  Clerk. 
Cornelius  Hedges,  Jr.,  Page. 
Morris  LxVNuhorn,  Page. 
Eugene  Dickerson,  Page. 

The  Secretary  then  read  an  account  of  the  history  of  the 
formation  of  the  Society. 

Which  was  accepted  as  correct. 

W.  A.  Burleigh  moved  that  the  Secretary  write,  arrange  and 
have  printed,  in  pamphlet  form,  the  complete  history  of  this 
Society,  and  that  each  member  shall  be  entitled  to  one  or  more 
copies. 

Unanimously  carried 

The  Treasurer  reported  that  he  had  received  during  the  year 
no  money,  and  so  had  not  paid  out  any. 
Report  accepted. 

W.  W.  Dixon  reported  that  he  had  looked  into  the  matter  of 
incorporation,  but  could  find  no  law  or  provision  in  the  statutes 
for  an  organization  of  this  kind.  It  is  possible  that  this  Society 
may  be  able  to  have  the  Legislature  pass  a  special  act  in  our  case. 

Report  accepted ;  committee  discharged. 

M.  Maginnis  moved  that  this  Society  refund  in  full  all  ex- 
penses to  our  Secretary  which  he  has  had  in  the  formation  of  this 
Society,  that  we  now  so  greatly  enjoy. 

Unanimously  carried. 

Geo.  O.  Eaton  desired  to  know  if  the  railroads  had  made  any 
reduction  in  fares  for  this  occasion. 

The  Secretary  said  that  he  had  written  to  all  the  roads,  but  re- 
ceived no  favorable  reply. 

Wm.  Muth  said  possibly  the  local  committee  had  not  com- 
menced early  enough  in  this  matter,  but  felt  that  next  year  we 
would  receive  recognition  by  the  roads. 


KRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  141 

W.  A.  Chessman  moved  that  we  elect  for  the  ensuing  year 
the  old  officers  and  the  same  Executive  Committee,  viz.: 

W.  A.  Clark,  President.  M.  Maginnis,  Vice-President. 

H.  Knippenberg,  Secretary.  L.  H.  Hershfield,  Treasurer. 

EXECUTIVE    COMMITTEE. 

Wm.  a.  Clark,  Chairman, 
H.  Knippenberg,  Chas.  S.  Marshall, 

Martin  Maginnis,  Paris  Gibson, 

Geo.  W.  Stapleton,  J.  E.  Rickards, 

Alfred  Myers. 
Unanimously  carried. 

The  Hotel  "  Helena"  kindly  offered  the  Society  the  free  use  of 
Room  25  for  the  private  or  committee  meetings,  for  which  the 
Society  thanked  the  manager. 

W.  M.  Bullard  moved  that  the  Executive  Committee  prepare 
a  Constitution  and  By-Laws  and  present  the  same  to  the  Society 
at  our  next  reunion  for  its  adoption. 

Carried. 

J.  K.  Toole  moved  that  all  sub-committees  be  appointed  by 
the  Executive  Committee  and  act  under  its  authority. 
Carried. 

H.  Knippenberg  moved  that  our  second  reunion  be  celebrated 
Saturday,  November  7,  1891  (the  8th  being  Sunday),  and  that  we 
meet  in  this  same  house  and  same  room  in  the  good  city  of  Helena. 

Unanimously  carried. 

It  was  now  4  o'clock. 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 

The  Constitutional  Convention  and 

Our  Society. 


ADDRESS    BY    \VM.   A.   CLARK. 


The  most  important  event  in  the  history  of  Montana  was  the  passage 
by  Congress,  in  February,  1889,  of  the  enabling  act  providing  for  her  admis- 
sion into  the  sisterhood  of  States. 

To  carry  out  its  provisions,  an  election  was  held  by  the  people  of  the 
Territory  of  members  of  a  convention  to  frame  a  constitution.  To  partici- 
pate in  such  a  noble  work  was  a  source  of  pride  and  gratification  deeply 
appreciated  by  all  who  enjoyed  the  honor  and  distinction  of  election.  This 
sentiment  naturally  resulted,  at  the  termination  of  their  labors,  in  a  desire 
to  perpetuate  the  social  relations  and  friendships  which  had  been  formed, 
and  has  happily  culminated  in  the  organization  of  this  Society,  through  and 
by  which  those  fraternal  bonds  will  be  firmly  cemented.  By  such  means 
the  social  and  noblest  instincts  of  men  are  developed  and  vivified,  bringing 
those  of  congenial  tastes  and  aspirations  into  closer  companionship,  thereby 
ennobling  them  and  promoting  their  intellectual  development. 

In  memory's  pages  I  have  preserved  a  most  interesting  record  of  the 
experiences  of  those  eventful  days  and  many  tender  recollections  of  courteous 
attentions  and  generous  acts.  Amongst  the  members  there  was  a  keen  ap- 
preciation of  the  grave  duty  and  responsibility  that  devolved  upon  them, 
and  they  began  their  work  with  zeal  and  continued  it  to  the  end  with  un- 
tiring devotion.  The  committees  labored  incessantly,  and  the  sessions 
throughout  the  entire  period  of  forty-five  days  were  remarkable  for  full  and 
prompt  attendance.  The  discussions  were  full  and  interesting,  and,  while 
animated,  and,  in  some  instances,  conducted  with  considerable  warmth  and 
spirit,  the  strictest  courtesy  and  highest  decorum  were  constantly  observed. 
Political  questions  occasionally  crept  in  and  caused  a  slight  ripple  momen- 
tarily in  the  discussions,  but  were  uniformly  subordinated  to  higher  motives. 
There  was  no  exhibition  of  partisan  feeling.  A  quiet  and  cheerful  acqui- 
escence in  the  will  of  the  majority  was  universally  manifested,  and  at  the 
conclusion  of  their  labors  the  members  seemed  to  carry  away  the  most 
pleasing  memories. 

There  was  found  to  exist  an  exceedingly  fortunate  combination  of  di- 
versified talent  and  ability  in  the  members  of  the  Convention,  almost  every 
industry,  occupation  and  profession  being  represented.  Mining,  agriculture, 
labor,  stock  husbandry,  finance,  commerce,  transportation  and  education,  all 
had  able  advocates  for  their  respective  interests,  and  there  was  a  general 
co-operation  for  the  promotion  of  the  public  good  and  the  successful  com- 
pletion of  the  great  work  before  them.  The  Constitution  was  cordially 
approved  by  the  people.  The  executive  and  judiciary  branches  of  the  State 
government  have  been  put  into  operation  with,  I  believe,  the  most  success- 
ful and  satisfactory  results.     Upon  these  subjects  we  are  to  be  favored  with 


FRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  143 

^n  expression  by  His  Excellency  the  Chief  Executive  upon  the  one,  and  upon 
the  other  by  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  Judiciary  Committee,  both  of 
•whom  are  eminently  qualified  by  observation  and  experience  to  give  an  in- 
telligent opinion  and  valuable  information  as  to  the  operations  of  the  con- 
stitutional provisions  relating  to  these  departments. 

By  reason  of  unfortunate  complications,  there  has  been  little  exercise 
of  the  legislative  functions  under  the  Constitution.  The  provisions  relating 
to  education,  revenue  and  the  rights  of  suffrage  have  been  vparmly  com- 
mended, and,  generally,  it  maybe  said  that  the  Constitution,  as  a  whole,  has 
received  almost  universal  approval  in  Montana,  and  has  elicited  favorable 
comment  from  critics,  politicians  and  statesmen  wherever  it  has  been  the 
subject  of  discussion.  A  distinguished  constitutional  lawyer.  Senator  Mor- 
gan, from  Alabama,  in  a  discussion  in  the  United  States  Senate,  made  the 
following  very  complimentary  allusion  to  this  instrument.  He  said  :  "  I 
have  looked  through  the  Constitution  of  Montana  with  great  care,  and  1 
must  say  that  I  have  concluded  my  investigation  of  that  body  of  organic 
law  with  admiration  as  one  of  the  most  carefully  prepared,  one  of  the  most 
<5onservative,  one  of  the  most  excellent  constitutions  of  all  the  States  of  the 
American  Union  that  1  have  ever  read." 

It  may  not,  in  this  connection,  be  deemed  inappropriate  to  refer  to 
another  important  historic  event  in  Montana's  career — the  organization,  in 
pursuance  of  legislative  enactment,  of  a  constitutional  convention  in  1884, 
a.nd  the  framing  of  a  constitution  which  was  almost  unanimously  ratified 
by  the  people.  Although  unavailing  on  account  of  failure  to  secure  admis- 
sion of  the  Territory  at  that  time,  yet  many  of  the  fundamental  provisions 
then  adopted  have  been  incorporated  in  the  present  Constitution,  and  the 
work  of  that  body,  some  of  whose  members  were  engaged  in  the  later  work 
and  members  of  our  Society,  was  a  valuable  auxiliary  and  deserves  honor- 
able recognition.  The  rapid  progress  and  forward  strides  of  our  youn" 
State  may  soon  demand  a  revison  and  enlargement  of  the  Constitution. 
The  provisions  covering  this  contingency  are  wise  and  liberal.  As  the  gen- 
erations come  and  go,  developing  rapidly  successive  changes  and  conditions, 
requiring  new  methods  and  additional  powers  and  restraints,  we  may  ex- 
pect that  the  genius  and  wisdom  of  our  successors  will  eliminate,  supple- 
ment and  amend,  but  the  prominent  features  of  our  present  Constitution 
"will  surely  survive,  because  they  comprise  the  recognized,  immutable  and 
eternal  principles  which  are  essential  to  good  government,  the  administra- 
tion of  justice  and  the  protection  and  perpetuation  of  the  rights  of  man. 

It  is  a  work  of  which  you  may  be  justly  proud;  a  legacy  that  will  be 
handed  down  to  successive  generations,  giving  encouragement  to  industry, 
inspiration  to  genius,  and  support  to  the  social  and  intellectual  advance- 
ment of  our  people.  As  the  ages  come  and  this  period  of  Montana's  history 
shall  be  revolving  toward  the  shadowy  past,  the  contemplative  student,  re- 
viewing the  progress  of  our  laws  and  government,  may  revert  with,  perhaps, 
something  of  ancestral  pride  to  the  framers  of  the  Constitution  of  Montana, 
recognizing  their  contribution  to  the  dignity  and  prosperity  of  the  State, 
and  generously  acknowledge  that  'thev  builded  better  than  they  knew." 


144 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


The  Executive." 


ADDRKSS    BY    .JOSEPH   K.   TOOLK. 


Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Society — T  must  express  my  ad- 
miration for  the  energy,  zeal,  good  fellowship  and  patriotism  of  our  worthy 
Secretary,  Mr.  Knippenberg,  in  carrying  to  a  successful  issue  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Mon- 
tana. It  was  he  who  originated,  promoted  and  executed  the  idea  of  this 
splendid  gathering.  If  we  applaud  his  efforts  to-day,  in  the  years  to  come 
we  shall  venerate  them. 

I  regret  that  a  combination  of  circumstances  has  prevented  me  from  re- 
sponding appropriately  to  the  subject  of  "  The  Executive  "  assigned  to  me 
by  the  committee. 

If  I  were  to  attempt  it  I  could  only  speak  of  it  in  the  abstract. 

By  reason  of  a  failure  of  all  legislation  last  winter,  not  a  bill,  joint  reso- 
lution or  memorial  ever  reached  the  Executive.  No  approvals  or  disap- 
provals are  therefore  of  record.  Some  of  the  constitutional  provisions  are 
self-executing,  but  many  require  legislation  to  put  them  in  operation  and 
give  effect  to  the  intention  of  the  Constitution.  They  are  too  numerous  to 
mention.  Comparatively  little  difficulty,  however,  has  been  experienced  in 
carrying  on  the  executive  department  of  the  State  Government. 

The  Penitentiary  and  Insane  Asylum  have  been  the  subjects  of  greatest 
expense,  but  the  management  and  care  of  these  have  been  entrusted  to  con- 
tractors at  the  best  rates  possible,  who  were  willing  to  trust  to  the  future 
ability  of  the  State  to  pay. 

Our  outstanding  obligations  amount  to  about  $170,000.00,  which  we  can 
not  pay  without  expi'ess  authority  of  law,  under  the  Constitution. 

We  have  in  cash  about  money  enough  to  pay  this  indebtedness.  Further 
than  this  I  can  not  hope  to  interest  you. 

My  term  of  office  has  been  one  of  great  anxiety  and  solicitude,  but  I  can 
not  boast  much  of  official  action. 

My  principal  occupation,  it  seems  to  me,  has  been  the  appointment  of 
Notaries  Public.  The  Constitution  has  not  limited  the  number  of  appoint- 
ments, nor  have  I  They  are  numerous;  more  so  than  the  militia,  and  if 
occasion  should  require  the  calling  out  of  the  latter,  I  am  not  sure  but  what 
it  would  be  more  expedient  to  call  out  the  Notaries  Public.  Certainly  so, 
unless  the  Legislature  soon  does  something  for  the  militia. 

It  will  doubtless  be  of  historical  interest  to  the  Society  to  put  it  into 
possession  of  the    following  official  information  in  my  possession.     I   will 

read  : 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  D.  C,  November  8,  1889. 

To  Hon.  Jos.  K.  Toole,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Montana,  Helena,  Mont.: 

The  President  signed  and  issued  the  proclamation  declaring  Montana 
a  State  in  the  Union  at  10  o'clock  and  40  minutes,  this  morning. 

James  G.  Blaine, 

Secretary  of  State. 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  145 

Department  of  State,  Washington,  D.  C,  November  11,  1889. 

To  His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  Montana,  Helena,  Mmit.: 

Sir— 1  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  duly  authenticated  copy 
of  the  President's  Proclamation  of  November  8,  1889,  admitting  the  State  of 
Montana  into  the  Union.     I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

James  G.  Blaine, 

Secretary  of  State. 

A  PROCLAMATION  BY  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

Whereas,  The  Congress  of  the  United  States  did,  by  an  act  approved 
on  the  twenty-second  day  of  February,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
eighty-nine,  provide  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  Territory  of  Montana  miglit, 
upon  the  conditions  prescribed  in  said  act,  become  the  State  of  Montana ; 
and, 

Whereas,  It  was  provided  by  said  act  that  delegates  elected  as  therein 
provided,  to  a  Constitutional  Convention  in  the  Territory  of  Montana,  should 
meet  at  the  seat  of  government  of  said  Territory  and  that,  after  they  hail 
met  and  organized  they  should  declare  on  behalf  of  the  people  of  Montana 
that  they  adopt  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States;  whereupon  the  said 
convention  should  be  authorized  to  form  a  State  government  for  the  pro- 
posed State  of  Montana ;    and, 

Whereas,  It  was  provided  by  said  act  that  the  Constitution  so  adopted 
should  be  republican  in  form  and  make  no  distinction  in  civil  or  political 
rights  on  account  of  race  or  color,  except  as  to  Indians  not  taxed,  and  not 
be  repugnant  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  and  the  principles  of 
the  Declaration  of  Independence ;  and  that  the  Convention  should  by  an 
ordinance  irrevocable  without  the  consent  of  the  United  States,  and  the  peo- 
ple of  said  State,  make  certain  provisions  prescribed  in  said  act;    and. 

Whereas,  It  was  provided  by  said  act  that  the  Constitution  thus  formed 
for  the  people  of  Montana  should,  by  an  ordinance  of  the  Constitution 
forming  the  same,  be  submitted  to  the  people  of  Montana  at  an  election, 
to  be  held  therein  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty-nine,  for  ratification  or  rejection  by  the  qualified  voters  of  said  pro- 
posed State ;  and  that  the  returns  of  said  election  should  be  made  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  said  Territory  who,  with  the  Governor  and  the  Chief  Jus- 
tice thereof,  or  any  two  of  them,  should  canvass  the  same  ;  and  if  a  majority 
of  the  legal  votes  cast  should  be  for  the  Constitution,  the  Governor  should 
certify  the  result  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  together  witli  a 
statement  of  the  votes  cast  thereon,  and  upon  separate  articles  or  proposi- 
tions and  a  copy  of  said  Constitution,  articles,  propositions  and  ordinances ; 
and, 

Whereas,  It  has  been  certified  to  me  by  the  Governor  of  said  Territory 
that,  within  the  time  prescribed  by  said  act  of  Congress,  a  Constitution  for 
the  proposed  State  of  Montana  has  been  adopted,  and  that  the  same,  to- 
gether with  two  ordinances  connected  therewith,  has  been  ratified  by  a  ma- 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    THE 


jority  of  the  qualified  voters  of  said  proposed  State  in  accordance  with  the 
conditions  prescribed  in  said  act;  and, 

Whereas,  A  duly  authenticated  copy  of  said  Constitution  and  ordi- 
nances, as  required  by  said  act,  has  been  received  by  me. 

Now,  therefore,  I,  Benjamin  Harrison,  President  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  do,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress 
aforesaid,  declare  and  proclaim  the  fact  that  the  conditions  imposed  by  Con- 
gress on  the  State  of  Montana  to  entitle  that  State  to  admission  to  the 
Union  have  been  ratified  and  accepted,  and  that  the  admission  of  the  said 
State  into  the  Union  is  now  complete. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  the  seal 
of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed. 

Done  at  the  city  of  Washington  this  eighth  day  of  Novem- 
P         -,  ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 

and  eighty-nine,  and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  the  one  hundred  and  fourteenth. 

Benjamin  Harrison. 
By  the  President. 
James  G.  Blaine, 

Secretary  of  State. 

For  the  benefit  of  all  concerned,  I  will  say  that  I  have  filed  the  tele- 
gram with  the  State  Historical  Society,  and  the  official  letter  with  the  Sec- 
retary of  State. 

And  now,  gentlemen,  I  want  to  say  that  I  am  glad  this  Society  has 
been  formed  and  that  I  am  identified  with  it. 

It  ought  to  come  up  to  our  fullest  expectations.  If  it  does  not,  it  will 
if  we  take  the  wise  hints  of  Brother  Knippenberg,  at  least  serve  to  encour- 
age a  departure  from  the  prevalent  partisan  methods  of  heaping  unde- 
served and  senseless  abuse  upon  the  heads  of  our  statesmen  while  living 
and  apotheosizing  them  when  dead. 


THE  JUDICIARY. 


ADDRESS    BY    W.   W.   DIXON. 


Mr.  President  and  Fellow  Members  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution 

of  the  State  of  Montana 

During  the  last  few  weeks  unusual  demands  have  been  made  upon  my 
time.  This  fact  must  serve  as  my  excuse  if  what  I  have  to  say  upon  the 
subject  assigned  me — "The  Judiciary" — shall  not  be  as  full  or  as  accurate 
as  I  might  desire  injustice  to  this  Society  and  to  myself. 

The  Judiciary  Committee  in  the  Constitutional  Convention  was  com- 
posed of  fifteen  members.  They  were  all  practicing  lawyers,  and  were 
from  all  the  different  sections  of  the  new  State.     They  were  a  truly  repre- 


KRAMERS    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION,    STATE    OF    MONTANA.  147 


sentative  body  of  the  bar,  and  also,  as  the  action  of  the  Convention  in  finally 
adopting  their  report  proved,  of  the  people  of  the  State.  I  had  the  honor 
to  be  chairman  of  the  committee  and  I  wish  here  to  record  my  testimony 
to  the  patience,  industry  and  ability  with  which  every  member  performed 
his  duty.  Full  but  friendly  discussion  upon  all  important  matters  was  had. 
The  differences  of  opinion  were  mainly  upon  minor  points,  and  uniform 
courtesy  and  consideration  prevailed  in  the  committee  throughout  its 
sessions. 

The  most  important  matter  for  consideration  was  the  organization  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  courts.  The  system  agreed  upon  was  substantially  that 
of  California,  and  there  was  not  much  difference  of  opinion  in  the  committee 
as  to  this.  The  distinguishing  features  of  this  system  were  the  vesting  of 
all  judicial  power  in  three  courts  only,  aside  from  municipal  courts — the 
Supreme  and  District  Courts,  and  the  courts  of  Justices  of  the  Peace — and 
uniting  in  the  District  Courts  all  civil,  criminal  and  probate  jurisdiction, 
instead  of  having  a  separate  tribunal  for  criminal  and  probate  matters. 

The  point  upon  which  the  members  of  the  committee  were  most  at 
variance  was  whether  each  county  should  be  made  a  district  by  itself,  with 
its  own  judge,  or  whether  some  of  the  less  populous  counties  should  be 
joined  in  one  district  with  a  judge  in  common. 

There  was  no  doubt  that  the  benefits  of  the  system  would  be  best  se- 
cured by  a  iudge  for  each  county ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  the  limited 
amount  of  business  and  the  small  population  in  several  of  the  counties 
seemed  not  to  require  a  separate  judge  in  each,  and  to  impose  too  heavy  an 
expense  upon  the  taxpayers.  A  compromise  measure  was  agreed  upon  and 
reported  by  the  committee,  by  which  four  of  the  most  important  counties 
in  the  State  wei'e  made  separate  districts  and  given  separate  judges,  and 
the  others  were  arranged  in  districts  comprising  three  counties  each,  with 
one  judge  for  each  district.  The  Legislative  Assembly  was  given  power  to 
increase  or  decrease  the  number  of  judges  in  any  district,  and  to  divide  the 
State,  or  any  part  of  it,  into  new  districts. 

The  Convention  adopted  the  report  of  the  Judiciary  Committee,  with 
only  a  few  material  changes.  The  more  important  of  these  were  the  ones 
relating  to  judicial  salaries  and  to  the  counties  comprised  in  those  districts 
which  included  more  than  one  county.  These  matters  the  committee  itself 
differed  about  and  purposely  left  them  open  to  be  debated  and  settled  in 
the  Convention. 

The  Convention  placed  the  salaries  somewhat  lower  than  the  committee 
recommended.  In  this,  I  think,  it  made  a  mistake;  but  it  can  be  remedied 
by  the  Legislative  Assembly  :  Provided,  That  the  salary  of  any  judge  is  not 
increased  or  diminished  during  the  term  for  which  he  is  elected.  I  was 
myself  of  the  opinion,  and  so  were  many  other  members  of  the  committee, 
that  the  salaries  were  so  low  for  District  Judges  that  it  would  be  found 
difficult  to  secure  competent  men  to  accept  these  positions.  I  am,  however, 
glad  to  say  that  this  has  not  so  far  been  the  case.  From  my  own  observa 
tion,  and  from  general  report,  I  am  satisfied  that  we  have  as  able,  industrious 
^nA  capable  District  Judges  g-s  c^n  be  found  anywhere,  and  I.  find,  in  this  re- 


148  HISTORY    OF    THE   SOCIETY    OF    THE 

spect,  general  satisfaction  among  the  lawyers  and  the  people.  Still  I  am  of 
the  opinion  that  the  District  Judges  salaries  are  too  small,  especially  for 
those  whose  whole  time  is  laboriously  and  almost  constantly  employed. 

The  arrangement  of  the  counties  in  districts,  as  made  by  the  Conven- 
tion, was  not  altogether  satisfactory  to  the  members  from  different  sections; 
but,  upon  the  whole,  it  was  the  best  that  could  be  made  at  that  time. 

An  experience  of  nearly  one  year  has  demonstrated,  I  think,  that  our 
judicial  system  is  a  good  one.  In  the  particulars  wherein  it  may  be  found 
defective,  it  can  be  remedied  by  legislative  action,  without  the  necessity  of 
constitutional  amendment.  The  best  test  of  the  system  has  been  in  Deer 
Lodge  and  Missoula  counties.  In  these  counties  the  judges  have  cleared 
off  the  old  business  of  the  former  courts  to  which  they  fell  heir,  and  can 
now  give  prompt  attention  to  new  cases.  Criminals  are  speedily  tried,  and 
litigants  in  civil  cases  can  obtain  justice  without  unreasonable  delay. 

In  the  counties  of  Lewis  and  Clarke,  and  Silver  Bow,  the  old  courts  were 
so  much  behind  in  the  trial  of  cases  when  the  present  judges  took  their 
seats,  and  business  has  since  so  increased,  that  the  new  courts  have  been 
unable  to  afford  to  litigants  in  civil  cases  the  prompt  trials  which  they  should 
have. 

The  judges  have  worked  very  industriously,  but  can  make  little 
pi'ogress.  In  each  of  these  counties  an  additional  judge  is  needed,  at  least 
for  one  or  two  years  to  come,  and  the  Legislative  Assembly  should  so  pro- 
vide. 

In  those  districts  where  several  counties  are  united,  the  system  seems 
generally  to  work  satisfactorily.  Some  of  these  counties,  however,  have  so 
increased  in  population  and  business  that  they  desire,  and  are  entitled,  to  be 
made  separate  districts,  and  this,  I  think,  should  be  done  as  speedily  as  may 
be.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  in  a  few  years  each  county  in  the  State  will  be  a 
district  with  its  own  judge.  When  this  can  be  done,  all  the  benefits  of  the 
judicial  system  established  by  the  Convention  will  be  realized. 

One  trouble  and  inconvenience  I  have  heard  mentioned  in  the  counties 
joined  with  others  in  one  district,  is  the  delay  in  procuring  orders  in  pro- 
bate matters  when  the  judge  is  absent  from  the  county  where  the  order  is 
desired.  This,  I  think,  might  be  remedied  to  a  considerable  extent  by  an 
amendment  to  the  probate  practice  act  authorizing  the  clerk  of  the  court 
to  make,  in  the  absence  of  the  judge,  such  orders  as  are  usually  made  ex 
parte  and  of  course. 

The  constitutional  provision  for  at  least  four  terms  of  the  District  Court 
each  year  in  counties  not  districts  by  themselves,  seems  to  afford  to  these 
counties  as  much  time  for  the  trial  of  cases  as  is  required  at  present.  So 
far  as  I  am  informed,  the  courts  keep  well  up  with  the  business  in  these 
counties.  The  same  remark  is  true  as  applied  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
State. 

The  constitutional  provision  by  which  a  civil  action  in  the  District 
Court  may  b(>  tried  by  a  judge  jjrn  tempore,  who  must  be  a  member  of  the  bar 
and  agreed  upon  in  writing  by  the  parties,  is  a  good  one.  I  have  seen  it  put 
into  practice  in  a  few  cases,  and  it  has  resulted  in  much  saying  to  the  pai^- 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATK   OF    MONTANA.  149 


ties  of  expense  and  time,  and  has  been  found  very  convenient,  especially 
where  the  regular  judge  was  disqualified  to  try  the  case  by  reason  of  having 
been  counsel  or  being  interested.  The  provision  that  any  judge  of  a  Dis- 
trict Court  may  hold  court  for  any  other  District  Judge  is  also  a  convenient 
one.  It  seems  to  me,  however,  that  the  power  of  a  judge  in  a  county  out- 
side of  his  own  district  has  been  too  narrowly  confined  by  the  recent  de- 
cision of  our  Supreme  Court. 

There  are  one  or  two  other  provisions  in  our  Constitution  relating  to 
judicial  proceedings,  and  to  the  administration  of  justice,  which  may  prop- 
erly be  noticed  here. 

Section  S,  of  Article  III,  provides  for  the  prosecution  of  criminal  of- 
fenses in  the  District  Court  by  information,  and  also  by  indictment  of  a 
grand  jury,  when  the  court  considers  it  necessary  to  summon  one,  and  a 
grand  jury  is  to  consist  of  seven  persons,  out  of  whom  five  must  concur  to 
find  an  indictment 

Owing  to  the  unfortunate  political  complications  of  last  winter,  which 
deprived  us  of  much  needed  legislation  to  make  constitutional  provisions 
efifective,  we  have  no  law  defining  or  providing  for  informations  The  Su- 
preme Court  has  therefore  held,  and  no  doubt  correctly,  that  criminal  of- 
fenses must  still  be  prosecuted  by  indictment.  We  have  not,  therefore, 
enjoyed  the  benefits  of  the  provision  which  dispenses  in  most  cases  with  a 
grand  jury,  but  we  have  reduced  the  number  composing  it  to  seven.  This  has 
reduced  the  expense  to  the  counties,  and,  I  think,  has  been  found  satisfactory 
to  the  people.  The  constitutional  provision  that  in  cases  ot  misdemeanor, 
and  in  all  civil  actions,  two-thirds  in  number  of  the  jury  may  render  a  ver- 
dict, has,  so  far  as  1  have  seen  or  been  informed,  been  found  to  be  very  sat- 
isfactory in  its  practical  operation,  and  has  greatly  facilitated  the  decision 
of  cases  and  prevented  expensive  and  unnecessary  new  trials 

It  maybe  seen,  I  think,  from  this  crude  review  of  our  judiciary  system 
that  the  framers  of  the  Constitution  builded  it  wisely.  It  needs  legislation 
now  to  give  some  of  its  provisions  full  effect.  It  will  need  legislation  here 
after  to.  adapt  it  to  our  increased  growth  and  prosperity.  But  the  plan  of 
the  structure  is  a  good  one,  and  its  foundations  are  strong  Such  changes 
in  it  as  different  conditions  may  require,  or  future  experience  may  suggest, 
can  be  made  without  impairing  its  solidity  or  destroying  its  symmetry. 

Let  us  hope  that  it  may  endure  long  beyond  our  day  and  generation, 
and  never  cease  to  be  the  medivun  by  which  even-handed  justice  is  dealt  out 
to  all  our  people. 


So  many  kind  and  coniplinientarv  words  were  spoken  tor  the 
Secretary,  and  for  the  work  he  had  done  in  bringing  about  the  or- 
ganization of  the  Society,  that  this  gentleman  thanked  the  mem- 
bers in  t^he  following  words: 


150  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


ADDRESS. 


BY    H.    KNIPPENBERG. 


Gentlemen — Will  you  not  let  me  say,  my  brethren  and  friends. 

I  wish  to  thank  you,  one  and  all,  for  the  kind  words  that  you  have  ut" 
tered  here.  I  wish  to  thank  you  for  the  uniform  and  cordial  cooperation 
which  you  have  so  generously  extended  to  me  the  past  year  in  my  work  of 
organization. 

I  do  not  wish  to  act  under  any  false  modesty.  I  realize  the  fact  that,  in 
a  large  degree,  I  have  been  the  creative  power  in  this  work  of  a  social  organ- 
ization. It  has  cost  me  time,  labar,  and  some  money ;  but  this  time,  labor 
and  money  combined  has  been  a  willing  sacrifice  of  love ;  love  for  the  pres- 
ent, love  for  the  future.  Ours  has  been  indeed  an  exalted  privilege.  Few 
men  in  this  world  ever  enjoy  one  as  great.  Called  and  chosen  by  the  great- 
est power  in  the  State,  the  people,  to  hew  out  of  the  quarry  a  stone — a 
foundation  stone;  a  corner  stone — upon  which  the  people  themselves  might 
erect  a  Temple — a  Temple  of  Liberty,  Truth,  Justice  and  Mercy.  Wisely 
and  well  the  work  was  done.  For  when  the  people  saw  it  they  accepted  it 
with  glad  acclaim,  saying,  "Grace,  grace  unto  it." 

But  great  as  was  our  privilege,  so  great  is  the  work  yet  to  be  done. 
When  the  children  of  Israel  took  possession  of  the  promised  land,  and  sup- 
posed they  had  it  all,  there  came  to  them  this  message  :  "  There  remains 
yet  much  land  to  be  possessed."  And  so  this  same  message  comes  to  us 
Montanians;  there  remains  great  possibilities  yet  for  us  to  accomplish. 

Where  is  the  prophet  that  will  dare  tell  us  of  the  future  greatness  of 
this  temple;  of  its  culture;  of  its  Christian  influence  ;  of  its  wealth  ;  of  its 
moral  power ;  of  its  political  power.  I  fear  were  such  a  prophet  found,  and 
could  we  return  even  one  hundred  years  from  now  we  would  have  to  de- 
clare, as  did  the  Queen  of  Sheba  of  old,  "The  half  was  not  told  me." 

But  bear  this  in  mind,  true  greatness  comes  not  from  without,  but  from 
within.  Our  greatness  will  be  only  what  our  homes  are.  Happy,  secure 
and  great  will  our  future  be,  if  the  future  men  and  women  shall  come  from 
homes  trained  and  reared  at  the  family  altar  of  purity,  and  regenerated  by 
the  spirit  of  loyalty  and  patriotism. 

Gentlemen,  let  us  not  deceive  ourselves.  Theorize  and  speculate  as 
you  will,  nevertheless  the  history  of  the  ages  passed,  and  the  experience  of 
all  the  nations  of  the  centuries,  bear  witness  to  the  eternal  truth  :  "  Right- 
eousness exalteth  a  nation,  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people,"  found  to  be 
true  in  the  past,  we  shall  find  it  true  in  the  future.  Truth  is  never  false.  Do 
not  take  the  right  from  me  in  saying  let  our  lives  and  our  examples  be  such 
^n  this  our  beloved  State,  in  this  our  beloved  country,  that  our  loyalty  to 
the  flag,  our  love  for  our  country,  our  devotion  to  our  State  shall  be  akin  to 
that  of  the  "  svye^t  singers  "  of  old,  "  If  I  forget  thee,  0  Jerusalem^  let  mv 


{•"raMers  of  The  constitution,  state  of  Montana.  151 

right  hand  forget  her  cunning.   If  I  remember  not  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave 
to  the  roof  of  my  mouth.     If  1  prefer  not  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  above  my  chief 

joy." 

One  by  one  we  shall  pass  away.  Our  work  shall  then  have  been  done, 
but  our  influence  will  remain,  for  good  or  for  ill.  My  prayer  is  now  that  for 
each  of  us  there  may  be  erected  and  remain  a  monument  not  of  crumbling 
stone  or  granite,  but  a  monument  erected  in  the  hearts  of  a  loving  people 
bearing  this  inscription  :  Here  lies  a  man — a  man  while  living  that  was  true 
to  God,  true  to  his  home,  true  to  his  country,  true  to  humanity. 

My  friends,  again  I  thank  you. 


The  President  annouuced  tliat  we  had  no  further  business  to 
transact,  and  that  the  Society  wonld  meet  again  this  evening  at  9 
o'clock,  at  the  "  Hotel   Helena,"  in  the  banquet  hall. 

Wm.  Muth,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements, 
asked  that  the  members  meet  at  8.30  o'clock  in  the  parlors  of  the 
"  Hotel  Helena." 

Adjourned. 


152  HISTORY   OF   THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 


Banquet.   Hotel  "Helena." 


By  8.30  o'clock,  i\  m.,  nearly  all  the  members  of  the  Society 
had  arrived,  aud   had  been  received  by  the  reception  committee. 

One-half  hour  was  enjoyed  in  general  social  conversation. 

At  9  o'clock  the  President  and  Secretary  led  the  way  to  the 
banquet  hall  and  all  the  members  followed. 

The  entertainment  was  unquestionably  the  finest  and  most 
elaborately  arranged  banquet  ever  given  in  Helena.  It  is  a  matter 
of  congratulation  that  the  Hotel  Helena  has  made  it  possible  to 
thus  satisfactorily  cater  to  the  wants  of  the  citizens  of  Helena  and 
their  friends  in  a  manner  that  would  in  all  respects  compare  favor- 
ably with  the  large  eastern  cities.  The  tables  were  arranged  in  the 
form  of  an  open  square.  The  dining-room  was  handsomely  deco- 
rated with  paintings,  potted  plants,  smilax  and  the  national  colors. 
The  tables  were  decorated  with  numerous  handsomely  ornamented 
pieces  from  the  hands  of  the  chef  and  head  pastry  cook.  The  two 
principal  ones  were  reproductions  of  ornamental  pieces  seen  by  the 
head  pastry  cook  during  a  recent  visit  to  Germany,  on  the  occasion 
of  a  complimentary  banquet  tendered  the  celebrated  diplomat 
Chancellor  Caprivi.  The  first  piece  represented  a  fort  with  port 
holes,  from  which  miniature  cannon  protruded.  Soldiers  were  on 
guard  on  the  ramparts  with  officers,  and,  in  fact,  every  prepara- 
tion for  defense  was  shown.  This  piece  had  three  turrets  or  towers, 
and  from  the  highest  was  displayed  the  Star  Spangle  Banner. 
From  the  two  lower  towers  were  streamers,  each  bearing  the 
legend,  "  Our  Country."  Another  table  ornament  which  at- 
tracted all  eyes  was  a  lofty  pagoda  of  graceful  and  symmetrical 


FRAMERS   OF   THE   CONSTITUTION,    STATE   OF    MONTANA.  153 


proportions,  of  a  Moorish  style,  with  many  handsome  awnings. 
On  the  base  of  the  structure  were  the  words,  "  Framers  of  the  Con- 
stitution of  Montana." 

The  tables  were  profusely  and  tastefully  decorated  with  cut 
flowers  and  evergreens.  At  each  plate  rested  a  boutonnier.  As 
each  member  entered  the  room  he  was  handed  a  menu  card  of 
chaste  style,  bearing  an  illuminated  monogram  composed  of  the  let- 
ters S.  F.  C.  M. 

Prof.  Romandy  and  his  orchestra  filled  the  large  room  with, 
sweet  melody  while  the  courses  were  being  served. 

The  arrangements  for  the  banquet  were  designed  and  perfected 
by  Mr.  Henry  N.  Willey,  the  vice-president  and  general  manager 
of  The  Helena  Hotel  Company,  assisted  by  his  more  than  usual 
efficient  chef,  Chas.  Mulchay,  the  head  pastry  cook,  Frederick 
Kaul,  and  Samuel  Henry,  head  waiter. 


THE    MENU. 


Blue  points. 

Green  turtle  soup. 

Broiled  white  fish.  Maitre  d'hotel. 

Celery.  Swiss  potatoes.  Sliced  tomatoes. 

Young  turkey  with  cranberry  jelly. 

Baked  sweet  potatoes. 

Sweetbreads,  larded.  Mushroom  sauce. 

French  peas. 

Rocky    Mountain   punch. 

Broiled  quail. 

Asparagus  a  la  creme. 

Chicken  salad.  Dressed  lettuce. 

Raspberry  Charlotte  Russe. 

Cake.  Tutti  frutti. 

Fruit.  Roquefort.  Coflfee. 


154  HISTORY   OF    THE   SOCIETY   OF   THE 

There  was  also  a  quartette  of  four  colored  male  singers  that 
rendered  a  number  of  most  charming  negro  melodies.  These, 
with  the  waiters,  were  all  handsomely  remembered  in  liberal  gifts 
from  the  happy  guests. 

The  entire  expense  of  this  reunion  was  paid  by  the  members 
of  the  Society,  this  being  the  expressed  wish  of  all  the  members. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  offered  and  passed  for  the  "  Hotel 
Helena"  and  its  able  manager,  Mr.  Henry  N.  Willey. 

It  was  12  o'clock  midnight  when  the  President  arose  and  of- 
fered the  toast — 

"The  Father  of  the  Society  of  the  Framers  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  State  of  Montana." 

There  was  a  general  call  for  the  Secretary,  who  sat  at  the  Presi- 
dent's right  hand. 

Mr.  Knippenberg  arose  and  responded. 

After  the  first  toast,  nearly  every  member  was  called  upon,  and 
some  of  the  happiest  speeches  were  made.  Among  these  were 
Messrs.  Clark,  Maginnis,  Carpenter,  Toole  (Governor),  Collins, 
Eaton,  Gibson,  Rickards,  Dixon,  Knowles,  Marion,  Bickford, 
Joy  and  others. 

At  2  o'clock  A.  M.,  the  9th,  the  Society  sang  "America,"  and 
then  the  Secretary  proposed  three  cheers  for  Montana,  which  were 
given. 

The  President  then  announced  that  our  first  reunion  was  now 
adjourned. 

"  It  has  been  one  of  the  happiest  occasions 

OF    MY    WHOLE    LIFE,      fell    from    nearly    every    lip    as    we 
all  said, 

"  Good  Night." 


,"AND  THAT  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE   PEOPLE,  BY  THE   PEOPLE. 
FOR  THE  PEOPLE.  SHALL  NOT  PERISH  FROM  THE  EARTH." 


PRESS  OF 

BAKER-RANDOLPH 

LITHOGRAPH   AND   ENGRAVING  CO., 

Indianapolis,  Indiana. 


T  4 1 1     10 


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